Reading, Pennsylvania's Genesius Theatre has named Douglas Carter Beane as its new artistic director.

The appointment is a homecoming for Beane, who began his theatrical career on the company's stage while growing up in Reading. Beane used his experiences at the company as the partial inspiration behind his community theatre-focused play Shows For Days, which played an Off-Broadway run in 2015 via Lincoln Center Theater with Patti LuPone and Michael Urie starring.

The move came about as Beane was back in Reading to scout locations for his upcoming film directorial debut, Magic Time. While visiting the formative company, he learned of a leadership vacancy and financial troubles, inspiring Beane to step in and help navigate the company back to sustainability. That mission will focus Beane's tenure on revitalization, mentorship, youth engagement, and artistic innovation, along with a major fundraising campaign and an effort to restore their performance space. The company was founded in 1971 by Michael O'Flaherty and Jane Simmon Miller.

“At the end of the day, I’m a theatre geek—and I feel a responsibility to the place that gave me my start,” Beane says in a statement. “I want to make theatre happen: new plays, new musicals, and rediscover forgotten works—to give them future lives.”

“Doug’s return represents both a homecoming and a rebirth,” adds Genesius Board of Directors Vice President Stefanie Deiter-Printz. “His vision, combined with our renewed commitment to education and community, will help set the stage for the next 50 years of Genesius Theatre.”

Since his Pennsylvania days, Beane has become a prominent stage and screen writer, with five Tony nominations to his name. On Broadway alone, his works include The Little Dog Laughed, Xanadu, Sister Act, Lysistrata Jones, Cinderella, and The Nance. His screenwriting credits include To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.

The company will host an open meeting with Beane October 13 at the theatre.

Visit GenesiusDifference.org.