Laguna Playhouse's Barnicle Resigns

Henry Mayhew, Chairman of the Board of The Laguna Playhouse, today announced that he has accepted the resignation of long-time Artistic Director Andrew Barnicle, who is leaving The Playhouse to pursue outside directing and other creative opportunities.

"Andy has had a stellar two-decade career here, during which he produced 120 shows including 14 world premieres, eight U.S. premieres, and 24 West Coast premieres," said Mayhew. "He has also directed 39 productions for the Playhouse. We are grateful for his years of leadership and expect more great theater from him as he moves on to new creative opportunities."

"It has been my pleasure serving as Artistic Director of The Laguna Playhouse during a very creative period," said Barnicle. "I will continue as a consultant with the Playhouse while Managing Director Karen Wood and the Board move through this year of transition. We'll continue to work together to make sure the season is successful for all, and the transition smooth. I am looking forward to staying involved for the 90th Anniversary celebration, as well as directing the final play of this season, Private Lives."
 
"As we all know, the past few years have proved challenging for non-profit arts organizations across the nation," noted Barnicle. "The Laguna Playhouse is among those that have been agile and fortunate to navigate those rough waters. The Playhouse is securely set in its 90th Anniversary Season, so I feel I am able to step away at this point and shift my focus to directing and other creative projects."
 
"Over the past 20 years, we have created a well-respected professional theatre and have built a very loyal audience," added Barnicle. "Each year held an interesting surprise or new adventure; I've enjoyed them all. I value each relationship that I have made along the way with artists, staff, trustees, and of course our cherished supporters and audience. The Laguna Beach community will always be special to me."
 
"We will all certainly miss Andy, but support his decision," said Managing Director Karen Wood. "Two decades of service is something to celebrate-in fact, Andy has agreed that we may honor him during our 90th Anniversary activities."
 
"During my tenure here, I have made many friends, both in the Playhouse and in the community," said Barnicle. "I want to thank all those people who have been so supportive and have helped the Playhouse be the success it is today.  I remain committed to The Playhouse, and I urge all our friends to continue their support. The current season is a strong one, and The Playhouse is positioned for an exciting future. I'm compiling a comprehensive history of the Playhouse as a 90th Anniversary gift.  It will be a good way to pass the torch."
 
"The Playhouse is financially stable and is enjoying a period of enhanced community connection through the expansion of our theatre season and educational programming to include special engagements, dance, music, comedy and community collaborations," noted Wood. "We will be shaping the right artistic team to help us continue to bring our audiences art and entertainment at its finest."

Founded in 1920 and celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2010, The Laguna Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously-operating theatres on the West Coast. The Laguna Playhouse has evolved from an amateur theater into a professional venue that is now a member of League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a prestigious body of the nation's largest non-profit professional theatres. In addition to employing Equity actors, The Playhouse is also a constituent of the Theatre Communications Group, the national organization of American professional theatre.
 
More than 100,000 theatergoers annually attend performances at the Laguna Playhouse. Its continued artistic excellence, audience popularity and critical acclaim have helped make The Playhouse one of Southern California's most important nonprofit theatre companies. The Playhouse has produced national tours of The Belle of Amherst (with Julie Harris) and Copenhagen, and has presented numerous world, national and regional premieres.
 
Over the years, the Laguna Playhouse has garnered numerous awards from LA Drama Critics Circle, NAACP, Backstage, OC Weekly, and many more, and was named Best Arts Organization by ArtsOC. Notable names that have performed at The Laguna Playhouse include Bette Davis, Harrison Ford, Marlo Thomas, Roddy McDowell, and Sally Struthers,      
 
The Laguna Playhouse is noted for its Youth Theater, Education and Outreach programs. In 1989, its Youth Theater was recognized as "Outstanding Children's Theatre" by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. The theater's touring production, TheatreReach, brings books to life on stage for elementary school children throughout Southern California.

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