Hartford Stage Names Maxwell Williams New Associate Artistic Director

Hartford Stage Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak today promoted Resident Director Maxwell Williams, an artistic presence at the Tony Award-winning theatre for more than a decade, to the post of Associate Artistic Director.

Darko said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Max over the past year, have a deep appreciation for his devotion to Hartford Stage, and look forward to working with him on all aspects of artistic planning in the next phase of our journey."

Williams has directed the company's productions of Boeing-Boeing, The 39 Steps and Dying City and has helped develop new plays by Horton Foote, Bekah Brunstetter, Christopher Shinn, Wayne Lemon, and Tennessee Williams, among others. He served as associate director on the Broadway production of Horton Foote's Dividing the Estate, as well as for Foote's nine-play Orphans' Home Cycle at Hartford Stage and New York's Signature Theatre. He initially joinEd Hartford Stage in the 2000-2001 season as the assistant director on Macbeth.

"I'm so excited to continue my relationship with Hartford Stage, which has been my artistic home for over a decade now," said Williams. "My craft and my life have been deeply affected by this theatre, first being inspired as an audience member by the productions of Mark Lamos and Bart Sher, and then through the profound friendship and excellent example set by my mentor, Michael Wilson, with whom I was lucky enough to collaborate on some 20 plays over the last ten years. It's clear to me that the vision Darko has for Hartford Stage will bring great things for the company and for the city, and I'm thrilled and humbled to serve as his Associate."

A member of the inaugural class of the Hartt School's theatre program, he has directed plays across the country at such acclaimed theatres as Cleveland Playhouse, 59E59 Theatres, and Houston's Alley Theatre. He has also served as Assistant Director on Broadway, and at major institutions, including Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theater Club, Lincoln Center Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company, and American Repertory Theatre.