Stern has been with the Vineyard since beginning as an artistic associate in 1999. She was appointed associate artistic director in 2001 and has helped shepherd the work of new playwrights including Will Eno, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Christopher Shinn, Gina Gionfriddo, Anne Washburn and the creators of the musical [title of show].

"I'm utterly delighted that Sarah Stern will be joining me as co-artistic director in the upcoming season," Aibel said in a statement. "As associate artistic director over the last several years, Sarah has been absolutely invaluable to me and to the Vineyard in nurturing and developing gifted and unique new writers, composers and directors, and has worked tirelessly and brilliantly in bringing new projects to life here. She has been a trusted colleague and creative partner to me, and an important part of the Vineyard family over the last decade – first as artistic associate and then as associate artistic director. Our collaboration has been a most felicitous one, and I look forward to this next step for us and for our company."

As part of her work with the Vineyard, Stern also nurtured the Vineyard’s new play development programs, which she oversees, and helped launch The Vineyard’s education program as well as the Poetry/Theatre Project, Vineyard Voices and the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award.

The upcoming season at the Vineyard will launch with Nicky Silver's The Lyons, starring Tony Award winner Linda Lavin, in September.

Memberships to the 2011-2012 Vineyard Season are available online by visiting www.vineyardtheatre.org or by phone by calling the box office at (212) 353-0303.