Garden Theatre Welcomes Consulting Artistic Director Rob Winn Anderson

The Garden Theatre is pleased to announce Rob Winn Anderson as Consulting Artistic Director, the newest addition to its team of talented professionals as the 2015 - 2016 Season commences June 1, 2015.

Anderson is a nationally-renowned local playwright with close ties to the Garden Theatre. Last season, patrons were awed by his original, world-premiere drama Alice Lost in Wonderland and delighted by his direction and choreography of the Broadway musical, Hairspray. This past December, his original, world premiere musical, Christmas by Committee, took the stage after the Garden Theatre commissioned the new work. In the upcoming season, Anderson will direct the opening show, La Cage aux Folles.

"Bringing Rob on in this capacity is a logical choice, given his broad creative experience and his wonderful connection to this theatre and to its staff," said Executive Director Alauna Friskics. "We are very excited to see where this collaboration takes us, in terms of artistic choices, innovation and quality of our programming and shows."

As Consulting Artistic Director, Anderson will drive the artistic vision and focus of the theatre from conception to implementation in consultation with the Executive Director and the theatre's Programming Committee.

"I am very honored to be able to continue my artistic partnership with the Garden," said Anderson, "a partnership that began at the beginning when I wrote and directed the opening gala for the theatre. The team here has been supportive and encouraging, allowing me to create and take chances. They have shown real bravery by commissioning new work from me that has, then, been produced as part of their mainstage season. I am excited to continue my relationship in this new role and help to fashion the artistic future of this innovative, and determined organization."

Anderson's work has been seen on stage, on video and across the world of theme park entertainment. As an award-winning playwright and acclaimed director, he has written and directed over a hundred projects for Walt Disney World. On the stage, he is noted for his ease in all genres - drama, comedy, farce, musicals and more. A former professional dancer, Anderson is also known for his innovative choreography and musical staging. He is a past winner of SART ScriptFEST, Southern Playwrights Competition, Christopher Brian Wolk Award for Playwriting and the 2013 Stanley Drama Award. His plays have appeared throughout the country including S. Appalachian Rep Theatre (North Carolina), Jacksonville State University (Alabama), GueriLA Theatre (California), Abingdon Theatre (NYC), and Clockwise Theatre (Illinois). For more information, visit robwinnanderson.com.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden on Plant Street, the Garden Theatre is a not-for-profit organization committed to enriching, engaging and entertaining through creative experiences. The 299-seat theatre, which re-opened in 2008, is an historic, atmospheric, professional performing arts venue in a Mediterranean Revival style. The Garden Theatre hosts live plays, concerts, movies and more to the residents of and visitors to the city of Winter Garden. It is home to the international StarLite Film Festival as well as the Bluegrass Concert Series each summer. For tickets or additional information, contact the Garden Theatre Box Office at 407-877-GRDN (4736) or visit the Garden Theatre website at gardentheatre.org.

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