Seattle Shakes Co's Board of Directors Re-instates Bradshaw as Managing Dir

At a special meeting to approve a management plan for the Company, Seattle Shakespeare Company's Board of Directors adopted a motion to allow John Bradshaw to withdraw his resignation, re-instating him as Managing Director. At the same time, the board appointed George Mount as Interim Artistic Director effective July 1, 2011. The Board of Directors will conduct a search for a new artistic director with plans for the permanent replacement to be in position by January 1, 2012.

"After Stephanie Shine's decision to resign, I met with members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors out of concern for the Company with both veteran leaders departing," said Bradshaw. "With discussions of restructuring within the Company and feeling the need for continuity in leadership at this opportune moment in the Company's history, I offered to reconsider my resignation, if the Board and staff were amenable."

Mount is currently Seattle Shakespeare Company's Director of Outdoor and Touring Performance overseeing Wooden O, the Company's free summer Shakespeare performances in the parks, and the touring productions that perform in schools and other venues across the state. "I'm honored and thrilled to help Seattle Shakespeare Company through this exciting period of transition," said Mount. "Stephanie Shine's leadership of this theatre has positioned us as one of the premier arts organizations in the region, and we are poised for even greater things. I'm excited about where this Company can go, and eager to help us get there."

"This is an exciting time of opportunity for Seattle Shakespeare Company," said Board Chairman Phil Miller. "I am confident that the Board and the entire staff will work together over the upcoming months to make this transition virtually seamless." A Search Committee will be formed comprised of Board members, staff, local artists and funders with a goal of having a permanent artistic director in place by the first of the new year so that planning can begin on the Company's 2012-2013 season.