Abingdon Theatre Company Associate Artistic Director Steps Down

Abingdon Theatre Company, located in Manhattan's Garment District, announces that Associate Artistic Director Kim T. Sharp is departing after a 16-year association with the company. Sharp will pursue theatre projects he has nurtured and explore further literary and management opportunities.

During his tenure, Sharp directed eight productions for the company. As Literary Manager for nine years, he coordinated over 350 readings of new plays. He initiated and co-produced a short-play program, which presented over 175 scripts. Expanding Abingdon's educational outreach, he nurtured an ongoing relationship with Connecticut's Quinnipiac University which presents the work of their students on Abingdon's June Havoc Theatre stage. Sharp was the project manager for the 2002 renovation of the company's 5,000 square-foot space housing the June Havoc and Dorothy Strelsin theatres. He oversaw the further expansion of 2,500 square-feet of office space in 2005, along with numerous infrastructure upgrades since then. At various junctures he was also the company's rental and facilities manager, as well as production manager on several productions.

As a director, both in New York and regionally, his productions received several "best production" awards. Sharp was also a recipient of a Charles H. Revson Foundation Directing Fellowship. As an educator, he taught both at Marymount College and Western Connecticut State University.

"This has been been a rewarding and fulfilling period of my life, which allowed me to explore the making of theatre from many angles, several of which I didn't even know existed," says Sharp, referring to his time at Abingdon. "To work with some of the most gifted playwrights, actors, directors, and designers in the New York theatre community has been inspiring. It is a privilege to support the fearless work of playwrights who bring their work to Abingdon. I am most grateful for the opportunities the company has afforded me."

"It has been a privilege working with Kim," says Artistic Director Tony Speciale. "He has been instrumental in Abingdon's growth and success. His passion and grace are unparalleled. Our staff, board and family of artists will miss him."

"Having invested 16 years with the company," continues Sharp, "I am excited by Tony's vision for Abingdon and look forward to its continued artistic and institutional growth."

Now in its 23rd Season, Abingdon Theatre Company is dedicated to developing and producing new American plays by emerging and established playwrights. Under the artistic direction of Tony Speciale, who joined Abingdon in October 2015, the company provides a safe home where playwrights, directors and actors can collaborate within a supportive and nurturing environment. Abingdon searches for stories about the human experience that reflect our social, political, historical and cultural diversity. To date, the company has collaborated with more than 200 playwrights, produced 85 New York and world-premiere plays, presented more than 700 readings, staged 175 ten-minute plays, and commissioned 6 one-act plays. Notable artists who have worked with Abingdon Theatre Company include Carl Andress, Bryan Batt, Robert Brustein, Mario Cantone, Maxwell Caulfield, Dick Cavett, John Epperson, Jane Greenwood, Ralph Macchio, Roberta Maxwell, Iddo Netanyahu, Nancy Opel, Austin Pendleton, Sam Pinkleton, Marcia Rodd, and Mark Waldrop. Abingdon's 2014 production of Brian Richard Mori's Hellman v. McCarthy, directed by founding artistic director Jan Buttram, was filmed and presented by WNET as part of its inaugural Theatre Close-Up series.

Abingdon continues its 2015-2016 Season with Stet, a new play inspired by true events, written by Kim Davies and conceived by Kim Davies, Jocelyn Kuritsky and Tony Speciale. A limited Off-Broadway engagement will begin previews in June. Mr. Speciale is set to direct the world-premiere production, which marks his inaugural programming as Artistic Director.

For more information about Abingdon Theatre Company, visit www.abingdontheatre.org

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