Grant Turner Named New Co-Artistic Director of Portland Shakespeare Project

Portland Shakespeare Project (PSP) has announced that Grant Turner, former Artistic Director of Northwest Classical Theatre Company (NWCTC), is joining the company as Co-Artistic Director. Turner will share responsibility for the overall artistic direction of PSP with Founding Artistic Director Michael Mendelson.

Turner recently announced his departure as Artistic Director from NWCTC, the company he founded in 1998. He will continue to assist NWCTC in its transition to new leadership until the end of the year. Turner was recently the recipient of the 2014 Drammy Special Achievement Award in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the Portland theatre community as a director, actor and instructor of classical theatre. Turner's decision to join PSP as Co-Artistic Director reflects his shared belief in the company's programming and mission of bringing classical theatre to Portland, Oregon.

"I'm so excited to join PSP at this stage of evolution," said Grant Turner, new PSP Co-Artistic Director. "I truly believe we have a team assembled that can make Portland an internationally renowned hub of Shakespearean activity. I look forward to working side-by-side with Michael, Karen, and the staff to bring a world-class Shakespearean experience to this city that I love so much."

PSP, founded by Michael Mendelson and Karen Rathje in 2011, began as a seasonal summer Shakespeare theatre company operating out of Artists Repertory Theatre and is now recognized as a resident theatre company there. With the addition of Turner, alongside Mendelson, a programming expansion is planned to begin in 2015. Turner will also help support further development of the company's enrichment and educational programs.

"I am thrilled Grant has decided to be a part of Portland Shakespeare Project to work alongside me as co-artistic director," said Founding Artistic Director Michael Mendelson. "Together, we will further distinguish our company as a beacon for classical work in the Pacific Northwest. His inviting me to play Shylock in 2009 was a re-awakening of my passion for classic work and I have Grant to thank for that. We have like minds in our faith in the words and the power of the text, and our different approaches to the material complement one another beautifully. I cannot think of a better collaborator to continue to grow our wonderful company and explore these glorious worlds."

PSP's 2014 summer production, The Tempest, runs July 9 to August 3 on the Alder Stage at Artists Repertory Theatre. Tickets are available at (503) 241-1278. Additional information is available at www.portlandshakes.org.

PORTLAND SHAKESPEARE PROJECT is a nonprofit theatre company dedicated to educating, enriching and entertaining audiences by producing high quality and innovative interpretations of classical works and contemporary works associated with classical material. PSP is committed to using dedicated, professional, local actors and technicians.

PSP is a resident theatre company at Artists Repertory Theatre. Since its founding in 2011, more than 3,000 people have enjoyed PSP's productions of William Shakespeare's As You Like It, King Lear and The Taming of the Shrew, as well as various staged play readings.

PSP offers classes and educational programs for students, actors and audience members designed to raise proficiency, broaden knowledge and enrich understanding of classical material and contemporary works that honor the traditions of classical theatre.

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