Jared Reed Named Hedgerow Associate Artistic Director

For Juilliard-trained Jared Reed, directing Hedgerow Theatre's 11th annual Ray Cooney farce, Not Now, Darling, is nothing new, since this marks the seventh time he's done so. What's different this time is that it's the first farce he's helmed in his new role as the theatre's Associate Artistic Director.

In announcing his appointment, Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed said, "We are so fortunate to have Jared, a national actor with us. He's the fifth generation in a professional acting family and his roots are strong in collaborative company-led theatre. He was brought up seeing really great theatre at Milwaukee Repertory and the McCarter Theatre where I was an actress and master teacher. He settled down in Philadelphia to have a regular family life with his wife, Keren, and two sons, Sebastian and Quentin."

Mr. Reed confirmed that statement, explaining that "I had a career in New York after graduating from Juilliard, but that didn't fulfill me as much as being part of a company. I started Curio Theatre Company seven years ago in West Philadelphia, and I'll still be directing a show a year there, but I always tend to come back to Hedgerow where I started at age 18 and have served as an actor, company member, director, playwright, and light-and-sound technician."

"My experience at Hedgerow isn't unusual," Mr. Reed continued. "You learn every aspect of theatre here and how important each of them are. For anyone who's been at Hedgerow, for the rest of your life this is what theatre is and you measure everything else against it."

In his new position, Mr. Reed will be working on administration, programming, directing, acting, and whatever else the company needs, such as his recent redesign of the theatre's website.

"The board and I are dedicated to excellence in theatre," Ms. Reed continued. "and Jared brings a focus of professionalism raising the bar in all areas. In addition to being a leader, he's also a fabulous teacher. Since education is our other arm of operations, it is wonderful to see him bring his experience and expertise to the company and faculty."

Not Now, Darling, by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, runs from July 5 through August 12. It's a typical farce filled with mistaken identities, romantic complications, jealous wives, and rapid-fire jokes. Although it's set in an exclusive London fur salon, Mr. Reed is quick to point out that only fake furs will be used in the production.

For more information on performance times or to purchase tickets, call 610-565-4211 or visit www.HedgerowTheatre.org. Hedgerow Theatre, America's first repertory theatre, is located at 64 Rose Valley Road in Rose Valley (near Media).