Gates Mcfadden to Step Down as Artistic Director of Ensemble Studio Theatre

Gates McFadden is stepping down from the position of Artistic Director for Ensemble Studio Theatre/Los Angeles effective December 31, 2014, it was announced today.

"I only meant to do it for six months,' said McFadden, "but five years later, with a newly-built theatre space,12 productions, a repertory season, and many readings of new plays under my belt, I am ready to pass the proverbial baton." She continued, "Being a producer along with building and running a theatre company in Los Angeles was without a doubt the hardest challenge of my career. Artistic Directors of a non-profit theatres in LA have no time, little money, barely any staff, and nowhere near enough grant support. On the positive side, I have a mother's love for the powerful, vivid productions we created over the last five years."

McFadden concluded, "The actors, writers, and designers I have been lucky enough to work with at EST/LA have been like a unique, intoxicating perfume whose scent will never leave me." Plays produced or directed under McFadden's leadership include Tree, Mlle God, The House of the Rising Son, House of Gold, The Many Mistresses of Martin Luther King, Belle of Belfast, Rabbit, The Ugly One, Crack Whore Galore, The Fisherman's Wife, Does Anyone Know What A Pancreas Is?, and Land Line.

McFadden's successor will be announced soon.

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