Route 66 Announce New Associate Artistic Director

Route 66 Theatre Company (Route 66) announced that Erica Weiss, current Literary Manager and director of the breakout hit A TWIST OF WATER, will be its new Associate Artistic Director.

"Since Erica joined the company she has shown a driven and collaborative spirit and real vision. She gives the company the ability to take the next step, as well as have continued success and longevity," said Stef Tovar, Founder and Artistic Director for Route 66.

Although Route 66 continues with a monthly Reading Series at Murphy's Irish Bistro, they have focused mainly on strategic planning and grant writing this fall. Their next show, which Weiss will direct at Theater Wit this spring, will be announced soon. "We have narrowed down the choices and are grateful to all that have participated in our Reading Series this year. It has really been an important part of our decision process. We should have some news very soon. But Erica and I have a lot of work to do in addition to choosing a show--including a retooling of our mission statement, company restructuring and other irons in the fire. I'm thrilled to have her help," said Tovar.

Erica joined Route 66 as Literary Manager in December of 2009. She has worked as a freelance director and dramaturg of new plays and theaters all over Chicago, and was formerly the Artistic Director of the now defunct Hypatia Theatre Company. She was the director and Jeff Award-nominated co-creator of Route 66's hit production of A TWIST OF WATER. Weiss is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, where she earned her degree in Theatre Studies and focused on directing and new play development.

"I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with Route 66 in this new role. Route 66 has had an exhilarating 2011, and we're at a very exciting turning point. I look forward to working with Stef Tovar to steer this company, which has become a true artistic home, into continued success and growth," said Weiss.

http://www.route66theatre.org/

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