Cal Shakes Appoints Tirzah Tyler Interim Managing Director

California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes) Board President Jean Simpson announced today the appointment of Tirzah Tyler as Cal Shakes' Interim Managing Director. Following the departure of Cal Shakes' outgoing Managing Director Susie Falk at the end of the calendar year, Tyler will partner with Artistic Director Eric Ting to lead the organization until a permanent Managing Director is hired.

Tyler currently serves as the company's General Manager, overseeing Finance, Administration, Human Resources, and Operations, and serving on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion workgroup. She has worked in a variety of other positions at Cal Shakes over the past eight years, including serving five years as the company's Director of Production and Operations. Prior to her time at Cal Shakes, she worked for theater companies across the Bay Area, including Center Rep and Magic Theatre.

"I am thrilled that Tirzah has agreed to serve in this role, ensuring continuity during a period of leadership transition" commented Simpson. "Through her long tenure at Cal Shakes, Tirzah has gained a deep understanding of the organization's operations. She has proven herself a strong leader, earning the confidence and respect of our Board and staff alike, and I look forward to working more closely with her."

"After nearly eight years with Cal Shakes, I was beginning to consider next steps in my own career," commented Tyler. "The opportunity to partner with Eric and the Board during this exciting time for the company is one that I couldn't pass up. I look forward to helping lead the organization, and support the Transition Task Force, Board, and staff of Cal Shakes while they conduct the search for the best individual to carry this incredible organization's work forward in the longer term."

Last month, Susie Falk announced her decision to step down from her position at the end of the calendar year, after 14 years with the company. The Board has formed a Transition Task Force to oversee this important evolution in leadership for Cal Shakes. The Board is currently planning and will soon launch a national search for a Managing Director.

California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes) is about to conclude its 44th season. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Eric Ting and Managing Director Susie Falk, the company has become a nationally-recognized leader in drawing on the power of authentic, inclusive storytelling to create more vibrant communities. Serving more than 43,000 people annually, Cal Shakes invites people from all walks of life to make deeply-felt connections with our shared humanity through its work onstage, in schools, and with people in non-traditional settings throughout the Bay Area who have little or no access to theater. For more information, visit www.calshakes.org.