New Repertory Theatre Names Kate Warner as New Artistic Director
February 5, 2009
New Repertory Theatre announced today that Kate Warner, nationally known, award-winning director from Atlanta-based Dad's Garage Theatre Company, will be the company's new Artistic Director.
"Kate Warner is a natural leader," said Michael McCay, Chairman of the Board of New
Repertory Theatre. "She has been very successful as an Artistic Director and is known
for her programming savvy. Kate also has the vision and experience to drive the
continuing growth of our theatre. Under her stewardship, Dad's Garage experienced
impressive growth while remaining financially stable."
"Kate's success extends to the national theatre community. She is an Executive
Committee Board Member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), a key industry
service organization," said Mr. McCay. "Through this lens, Kate brings insight on the
arts throughout the U.S. She is obviously well respected by her peers in the field."
Ms. Warner served as Artistic Associate with Dad's Garage from 2003–2005 before
assuming the leadership as Artistic Director in 2005. In that role, she has produced and
directed five world premieres and directed many critically acclaimed shows which
garnered her two Suzi Bass Nominations and Awards for Best Director in 2008 and 2006,
respectively. In addition to her directing work at Dad's Garage, she has directed at
Magic Theatre in San Francisco, Actor's Express and Theatrical Outfit in Atlanta, and
American Stage Theatre in Tampa Bay, among others. During Kate's tenure, Dad's
Garage expanded its budget by 30% and increased the audience to over 30,000 patrons, while maintaining a fiscally sound operation.
Prior to joining Dad's Garage, Ms. Warner was the Managing Director/Artistic Associate
with Atlanta's Theatrical Outfit, where she developed and oversaw an award-winning
strategic plan to move the company into its new $5.4 million home, a renovated
downtown Atlanta landmark.
In addition to serving as a board member of TCG, Ms. Warner is co-chair of the 2009
TCG National Conference. She is also a member and facilitator of the Lincoln Center
Theatre Director's Lab in New York and a member and panelist of the Directors Lab
West in Los Angeles. In the summer of 2004, Ms. Warner completed the Executive
Program for Non-profit leaders in the Arts at Stanford's Graduate School of Business and
the New Artistic Leadership Institute with TCG/Dance USA at the McCarter Theatre.
She is a graduate of Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Mich. with degrees in Theatre and Anthropology.
"I am thrilled that Kate is joining the New Rep family, and I am looking forward to
partnering with her in advancing New Rep," commented Harriet Sheets, Managing
Director of New Rep. "Our audience, our artists, and our theatre colleagues are going to
welcome her energy, her collaborative nature, and her artistic style. Kate will make a
great addition to the Boston arts community."
"I was attracted to the mission and the quality work at New Rep and am very excited to
work with this theatre that has such a strong reputation with Boston artists," said Ms.
Warner. "My aesthetic aligns with New Rep's, and I look forward to pursuing works that
are relevant to the community."
Ms. Warner will start her new position this spring. She succeeds Rick Lombardo who has been named Artistic Director of San Jose Repertory Theatre.
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