Rick Dildine to Depart Shakespeare & Company, Return to St. Louis

Rick Dildine is returning to St. Louis to serve as Artistic & Executive Director of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, a company he led from 2009-2014. Dildine became Executive Director & President of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, in September 2014.

"We are sad to see Rick depart as he has contributed so much to our organization already," said Sarah Hancock, Chair of the Board of Trustees. "He is a creative producer and deserves to be able to use his skills where his passion lies. We wish him the best of luck."

The organization recently announced its 2015 season line-up and completed a matching gift campaign for capital improvements for its campus in downtown Lenox. Dildine has led the recent budget process, which culminated in the approval of a budget for the next fiscal year.

"I have learned a lot while collaborating with the Board and the staff at Shakespeare & Company over the past few months," said Dildine. "In evaluating the opportunities ahead for Shakespeare & Company, I've decided that my skills are best served in St. Louis. My deepest thanks to Chair Sarah Hancock and the other trustees who have worked so closely with me to create a more sustainable organization."

To lead the 2015 season, the Board of Trustees has appointed Steve Ball as Interim Managing Director and Ariel Bock and Jonathan Croy as Interim Co-Artistic Directors. In announcing the Board's appointment of Mr. Ball, Ms. Bock and Mr. Croy, Ms. Hancock said, "We are delighted to announce these appointments, and have supreme confidence in this team's abilities to lead the season ahead. Collectively, they bring a tremendous amount of experience to the organization, and are all well-respected members of the industry and the community."