Alabama Shakespeare Festival News

A great production to get into the holiday spirit.

Players Circle Theater is getting in the Christmas spirit with Tom Dudzick’s heartwarming holiday comedy, GREETINGS, running November 25th – December 22nd, 2024. 

Florida Studio Theatre has announced the appointment of Nancy Rominger as its new Associate Artist in charge of New Play Development. Learn more about Rominger here!

A marvelous cast of River Ridge students breathes the Bard to life!

The Episcopal Actors’ Guild will hold its Annual Memorial Service featuring an address by Tony Award-winning actress Jayne Houdyshell, honoring the contributions of late members of the theater community.

From Toronto’s ambitious 10-year investment plan to the Garden Theatre’s abrupt closure in Florida, communities are focusing on accessibility and resilience. The NEA’s latest report sheds light on U.S. arts participation trends, while major honors like the National Medal of Arts celebrate individual contributions.

Premiere Stages at Kean University has announced the two playwrights from the 2024 Premiere Play Festival who were selected for expanded development as part of the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Layne Holley will be Imagination Stage’s new Chief Managing Officer beginning October 15, 2024. Holley joins Joanne Lamparter, Imagination Stage’s Chief Artistic Programming Officer, in advancing the mission of the acclaimed 45-year old organization. Learn more about Holley and the position.

In this week's newsletter, we highlight key developments across the theatre world, from financial challenges in arts funding to exciting leadership changes. TikTok continues to influence the stage, boosting the success of an immersive off-Broadway show, while Chicago’s small arts sector shows resilience despite pandemic setbacks.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol comes to Alabama Shakespeare Festival next month. Adapted by Rick Dildine, performances run November 21–December 29, 2024.

Nataki Garrett’s appointment as Chair of Theatre Communications Group to a new report on gender disparities in ballet leadership, as well as the announcement of Roundabout’s New Artistic Director, and a transition at the Houston Ballet. Additionally, industry trends such as theater ticket insurance and dynamic pricing.

'Hell's bells!' Alabama Shakespeare Fest has a production full of heart.

The Green Room 42 will present “Gotta Sing with Kenneth Gartman” on Wednesday, October 9th at 9:30 pm.  Host and Music Director Kenneth Gartman shines a light on some of NYC’s best musical theatre talent each month in a new cabaret series - Gotta Sing.

The new revival of Sunset Blvd. is currently playing the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Get to know who's who in the cast of the show, led by Nicole Scherzinger.

From the National Endowment for the Arts' report on theater resiliency to leadership transitions at LAByrinth Theater Company and Signature Theatre, the industry continues to adapt and thrive. Other stories include financial struggles at Virginia Rep, as well as an update on the ongoing University of the Arts closure.

From U.S. universities grappling with cuts to drama departments, to the financial troubles of regional arts organizations, funding concerns are a recurring theme. Meanwhile, Broadway gears up for a thrilling fall season, and new leadership emerges with Lear deBessonet at Lincoln Center Theater and Bradley Renner at Orlando Ballet.

Artistree's Grange Theatre announced its 8th season, exploring themes of courage, starting with THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.

Stories include the opening of nominations for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards and the donation from Ken Ludwig to save Hall’s Croft. Financial difficulties are impacting institutions like the University of the Arts and Seattle’s theater scene, prompting a rethinking of models and operations.

Broadway’s Pierre Marais (Sunset Boulevard, Aladdin) will debut a night of his original short narrative films; screening this September in Greenwich Village. Voted best Young Filmmaker at the Cannes World Film Festival for his film As Apple Pie, Marais’ films have garnered over 75 selections from film festivals across the globe. 

Quin Gresham has been named as the new Artistic Director of Alabama Shakespeare Festival, joining from Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.