Local Executive Director Elected President of Shakespeare Theatre Association

Melissa Nicholson, Executive Director of Gamut Theatre Group, was unanimously elected President of the Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA), an international organization for theatres dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. The nomination and election happened at the 27th annual conference held recently in Baltimore, Maryland. Melissa will serve as President for the next two years.

Melissa is the co-founder of Gamut Theatre Group in Harrisburg, PA. She and her husband, Artistic Director Clark Nicholson, began the company in 1993 with the Popcorn Hat Players Children's Theatre. In 1994 they built on their Popcorn Hat success by forming the Harrisburg Shakespeare Company which continues today with the annual Free Shakespeare in the Park event at Reservoir Park.

The Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA) was established to provide a forum for the artistic, managerial, educational leadership for theatres primarily involved with the production of the works of William Shakespeare; to discuss issues and methods of work, resources, and information; and to act as an advocate for Shakespearean productions and training. The association now includes over 120 theaters from around the world, representing diverse types of theatre (indoor, outdoor, year-round, seasonal, university-affiliated, and free) with wide ranging budgets ($10,000- $50,000,000). Among these theatres are Utah Shakespeare Festival, The Stratford Festival in Ontario, and Shakespeare's Globe in London, England.

The election of Gamut Executive Director to the position of President of STA speaks to the Nicholsons' dedication to help to promote Central Pennsylvania as an international force in dramatic presentation, and as a theater destination. "I am thrilled and humbled to be the President of the Shakespeare Theatre Association," said Melissa. "STA has been instrumental in the growth and success of Harrisburg Shakespeare Company/Gamut Theatre. After serving a two-year term as Vice-President, I look forward to continuing the work of our Executive Committee and giving back to the organization that has helped Gamut so much. STA's ongoing conversations with its members from around the globe are inspiring, enriching, and provide valuable insights on producing relevant Shakespeare. In a time of growing uncertainty for the arts and humanities in both the U.S. and abroad, the open dialogue and inclusive atmosphere of STA is not only refreshing, it is an absolute necessity."

Since Melissa and Clark started their company, Gamut Theatre Group has grown to serve around 30,000 people each year through its programming. Gamut not only performs mainstage theatre productions for adults and children, it offers workshops from classrooms to corporate offices, teaches theatre school classes throughout the community, and tours its shows across the midstate. This theatre group really does run the gamut.

For more information on Gamut Theatre Group, please visit GamutTheatre.org.

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