As regional theatres start winding down their current seasons and announce plans for 2019–2020, changes in staff are ushering in change across several high-profile stages in America and in the U.K. Take a look below at some recent hires in the industry.
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Robert Barry Fleming
Artistic Director, Theatre of Louisville (Louisville, KY)
The producer and performer comes to Kentucky after stints at the Cleveland Playhouse and D.C.'s Arena Stage, the latter being where he commissioned the world premieres of Dear Evan Hanson and Sweat. Managing Director Kevin E. Moore says he "brings such robust and multifaceted artistic experience as well as a deep belief in theatre as a space for all."
Michelle Carwardine-Palmer
Executive Director, Kneehigh Theatre (Cornwall, U.K.)
Carwardine-Palmer comes from National Theatre of Wales after eight years to join Kneehigh. Hedda Archbold also joins Kneehigh as Chair of Trustees. The theatre shared: "We were blown away by their passion for the company, their wit, their wisdom, and their incisive knowledge of the industry."
Sean Daniels
Artistic Director, Arizona Theatre Company (Tuscon and Phoenix, AZ)
Daniels, raised in Arizona and a member of the state's Udall family, transfers from the same role at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA. Susan Segal, chair of the ATC Board of Trustees, says, “His deep connections to Arizona and his impressive successes as a director and leader for leading American theatre companies blend perfectly to continue ATC’s legacy of presenting great theatre.”
Leelai Demoz
Associate Artistic Director, Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Chicago, IL)
Oscar and Emmy nominee Demoz (On TipToe) joins Steppenwolf after spending years on stage and behind the camera. He will orchestrate day-to-day operations and serve as the public face of the theatre. Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro comments, “I cannot stress to you all how happy [Executive Director] David [Schmitz] and I are to have been able to re-imagine this position—and then to have been able to fill it with someone as accomplished as Leela."
Producing Artistic Director, WaterTower Theatre (Addison, TX)
With more than 20 years in the industry as a producer and entrepreneur, Peterman takes on the CEO-type role to lead the theatre's vision. Board President Grace Daniels said, “Shane rose to the top as a successful producer and businessman as well as one who knows WTT and its community intimately as a performer and a patron."
