Titan Theatre Company's Lenny Banovez Named Next Artistic Director Of Hope Summer Rep

Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) announced today that Lenny Banovez has been named Artistic Director heading into the 2018 Season. Banovez, who is also the Artistic Director of Titan Theatre Company, the Award winning & critically acclaimed theatre in Queens, joins the company after former Artistic Director David Colacci stepped down last fall after 25 years of service to the company. Because the two company's season schedules are complementary, Banovez will split time between Titan and HSRT, serving in New York from September through April and in Holland, Michigan May through August.

"This is an exciting opportunity for HSRT. Lenny brings a contagious enthusiasm for theatre. " said Anne Bakker, managing director of HSRT. "His experience, connections and energy will allow the legacy of HSRT to continue moving forward in positive and exciting ways."

HSRT, located in Holland, MI, is one the country's premier summer theatres. Entering it's 47th season in 2018, HSRT features a summer season performed in rotating rep on the campus of Hope College. Banovez will play a leadership role in developing each season's mix of productions; coordinate recruitment and auditions for HSRT's actors, directors and designers; and shape the company's artistic vision for the future. "It truly is an honor to be joining the Hope family." Banovez said. "There is a rich history between HSRT and the local community, as well national reputation for excellence. I am looking forward to continuing to strengthen that bond,much like we have done here in Queens, as well as continue to grow the theatre's national profile. It is shaping up to be an extremely exciting time for HSRT & Titan."

Banovez has served as Titan Theatre Company's artistic director since co-founding the company in 2008. Titan Theatre Company is the largest independently producing theatre company in the borough of Queens and is the official company in residence at Queens Theatre, the borough's premier performing arts venue. Titan's mission is to breathe new life and clarity into classical works of theatre, explore new and contemporary language plays, and deliver adventurous and visceral theatrical experiences for audiences, all in an atmosphere of creativity, collaboration and respect.

Banovez's work has received praise in both New York and beyond. New York Theatre review has said, "Director Lenny Banovez has crafted a great production of 'King Lear". Titan joins a list of formidable names like BAM, Theatre for a New Audience and The Public Theatre, a who's who of theaters that Titan Theatre Company has certainly proved they belong among." During Banovez's tenure at the Houston Shakespeare Festival, Houston Magazine noted, "New York-based Lenny Banovez moves in a faster gear than most. Known for fearlessly creative productions, the director regularly pushes boundaries and reimagines limits."

As an actor, director and educator, Banovez has also worked with: The Kennedy Center, Cherry Lane Theatre NYC, Theatre Row NYC, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Delaware Rep, PCPA Theaterfest, Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Hyperion Theater Project NYC, Houston Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, Virginia Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Huron Playhouse, Secret Theater NYC, Hedgepig Ensemble Theatre NYC and Monomoy Theatre on Cape Cod, and as a guest artist at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Wayne State University, Idaho State University, Marshall University and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Professional Actor Training Program (PATP) at Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater arts from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Hope Summer Repertory Theatre was established at Hope College in 1972, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre is West Michigan's premiere professional theatre company and produces plays and educational programs of the highest professional standards that address the needs of, and enhance the quality of life for, Hope College and the community. The productions are presented across the summer months in venues including the college's DeWitt Center main theatre, DeWitt Center Studio Theatre and Knickerbocker Theatre. The company numbers more than 100 annually and features a unique blend of distinguished professionals and young theatre artists from across the United States. During its forthcoming 2018 season, opening in mid-June, HSRT will present five productions for audiences of all ages.