DreamWrights Names Laurie Riffe as Director of Artistic Programming

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts is excited to introduce its Director of Artistic Programming, Laurie Riffe. Riffe brings 23 years of professional experience as a director, teacher, mentor, coach, and performer to this position and the York community. "I am passionate about the arts as a means for discovering creativity, confidence, and freedom of expression," she says. "I hope to utilize my strengths and experience to serve as an artistic mentor for DreamWrights, continuing to strengthen and build existing programming while simultaneously exploring many new exciting partnerships, opportunities, and possibilities."

Riffe has worked for Shakespeare & Company, American Shakespeare Center, Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Greenbrier VAlley Theatre, The Young Actor's Ensemble, and Westridge School. A member of Actor's Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Laurie holds a MFA in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University and a BFA in Acting from The Theatre School, DePaul University. She has directed seventy productions and performed in over one hundred. Highlights of Riffe's career include involvement with the opening of ImaginOn, a partnership between Children's Theatre of Charlotte and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library System and directing for the Shakespeare in the Courts program, a partnership between Shakespeare & Company and The Berkshire Juvenile Court.

When asked about her vast and eclectic background, Riffe laughs because she knows she's had enough experiences for two lifetimes. But that invaluable experience working with youth and adults, building programs and expanding opportunities reflects the foundation of DreamWrights' mission, "I am interested in opening doors, sparking creative inspiration, inviting possibility and play, generating curiosity, and being of service. I believe in fostering an atmosphere of respect, inclusion, compassion, empathy, and integrity."

Riffe says she's excited to take part in productions at DreamWrights where there is a true sense of collaboration, where all voices are values and heard. "And, I am excited to be a part of the DreamWrights team, and I look forward to getting to know the community!" Come introduce yourself to Riffe on Thursday, September 28, when DreamWrights will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the greater York community while showing off its new studio space and upgraded facilities! This event is free and open to the public.

About DreamWrights Center for Community Arts

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York, Pennsylvania has been offering interactive performing arts experiences for people of all ages since 1997. By serving as an educational theatre and performing arts resource, DreamWrights offers opportunities to explore all aspects of performance arts from theatre acting and designing to crewing and stage managing. DreamWrights provides creative educational experiences through inclusive intergenerational performance and theatre arts programming. To learn more about how to participate in, or attend one of DreamWrights' upcoming productions, visit www.dreamwrights.org or Facebook.com/DreamWrights.