New Rep Ensures Smooth Transition of Artistic Leadership
August 21, 2008
New Repertory Theatre's Board of Directors announced today that it has launched transition planning and search processes to ensure a smooth transition of leadership during its 2008-2009 season. Rick Lombardo, Producing Artistic Director for New Rep, will be leaving his post to become the Artistic Director of San Jose Rep, a LORT Theatre in the Bay Area. Rick will remain the Acting Artistic Director for New Rep's 25th Season, and he will maintain his directorial assignments throughout the season. Harriet Sheets, Managing Director, will continue her role as the administrative leader, a position she has held since the 2000-2001 season.
"It has been a privilege to have worked with Rick over many theatre seasons," said Michael McCay, Chairman of the Board of Directors of New Repertory Theatre. "We will all miss him both professionally and personally. Rick has made an incredible impact on New Rep and is leaving a considerable imprint on the theatre scene in Boston and beyond. Under Rick's leadership, the organization has grown in size, audience, recognition and reputation. The opportunity that Rick's departure creates is sure to attract great talent – a testament to the legacy he has built." McCay continues, "We are very fortunate to have a strong, talented staff and engaged Board of Directors who will provide stability during our search for new artistic leadership, and the artistic quality which is imbedded in the New Rep culture will continue to provide a premier theatre experience to Boston area audiences."
"This is a great opportunity for Rick, and no one deserves it more. He has been a strong and gracious partner to me, and he will be truly missed by the staff," comments Harriet Sheets.
"New Rep has been an incredibly fertile artistic home for the past 12 years, and I am honored to have served as its Artistic Director during a period that has seen it step forward as one of the leading theatre companies in New England. It was a very difficult decision to leave New Rep, with our remarkable staff and Board of Directors, as well as our many artistic friends here in the Boston area, but it was a great honor to be asked to become the Artistic Director of San Jose Repertory Theatre, one of the leading LORT theatres on the west coast," says Mr. Lombardo.
Mr. Lombardo adds, "I also couldn’t imagine a better moment in time to make this change, with New Rep coming off the highest-attended and most successful season in our history, and now firmly established in our new home in Watertown at the Arsenal Center for the Arts."
Rick Lombardo came to New Rep in the spring of 1996. During his tenure, New Rep artists have been honored with 18 Elliot Norton Awards and 26 IRNE Awards. Through his leadership, and the artistic work on the stage, New Rep was able grow from a $500 thousand small theatre company to a leading mid-size theatre in the Boston area with a budget of over $2 million. Mr. Lombardo also forged the relationship with the Arsenal Center for the Arts, which resulted in New Rep becoming the Resident Professional Theatre Company.
New Repertory Theatre produces plays that speak powerfully to the essential ideas of our time. Through the passion and electricity of live theatre performed to the highest standards of excellence, New Rep expands and challenges the human spirit of both artists and audience.
New Rep presents world premieres, contemporary and classic works in several intimate settings. We are committed to education and outreach, including special dedication to the creation of innovative in-school programming and providing access to underserved audiences.
New Rep is an active advocate for the arts and a major voice in the national dialogue defining the role of theatre in our culture.
For Press Inquiries: Contact Gia Podobinski at 617-923-7060, extension 205
or e-mail gia@newrep.org