John Dias Steps Down As Co-Artistic Director of Playwrights Realm

The 2009-2010 Playwrights Realm season will be helmed by a sole Artistic Director, as John Dias has decided to step down from his post of co-Artistic Director to pursue other outside projects. Taking the full helm as Artistic Director of The Playwrights Realm will be Katherine Kovner, who along with Producing Director Stephanie Ybarra, will continue company's vision.

"John's partnership in co-founding The Playwrights Realm has been immensely valuable and integral to the growth of the company," stated Playwrights Realm Artistic Director Katherine Kovner. "Over the last two years, John and I worked to build a solid foundation for The Playwrights Realm and further its mission to put the playwright's vision at the center of the theatrical process. I'm looking forward to leading the organization into its next phase and am excited to report that the Realm is already buzzing with an ambitious season that will include a third premiere by a fresh new voice in the American Theater, as well as new programs that allow us to do what we do best - support new work through rigorous dramaturgical development and technical assistance."

The Playwrights Realm is an off-Broadway Theater Company which most recently presented Anna Ziegler's critically acclaimed production of DOV AND ALI, and the 2009 Writer's Jam Session. The Realm is committed to developing and producing theater with artists - and for audiences - who share its belief that the playwright's vision is central to great theater. Founded in 2007 by Co-Artistic Directors John Dias and Katherine Kovner, The Playwrights Realm is lead by: Artistic Director Katherine Kovner, Producing Director Stephanie Ybarra, and Associate Producer Judy Mauer.

For more information on The Playwrights Realm, please visit www.playwrightsrealm.org.