Jan Powell, Artistic Director of Richmond Shakespeare and Henley Street Theater; Jackie OâConnor, Managing Director of Richmond Shakespeare and Henley Street Theater
In a neat example of nonprofits collaborating and consolidating their resources to be stronger, Richmond Shakespeare and Henley Street Theatre are merging their leadership. Richmond Shakespeare has existed for more than 30 years; itâs a thriving program devoted to Shakespeare performance and education. Henley Street, a relatively new venture i(now in its 7th season) is dedicated to theater classics that have stood -- or will stand -- the test of time, from the Renaissance to modern day. Both companies use Agecroft Hall as a base and have rather coincident missions. The merger, begun recently in light of management vacancies, will continue over a couple of years. But the two companies will head into the 2013-14 season as a unit, producing Oscar Wildeâs The Importance of Being Earnest, Death of the Maiden and Richard III, among others this season. The âMarriage of True Mindsâ campaign is also underway to provide the necessary funding to execute a sound merger. Also, this season sees the âAge of Shakespeareâ program (in celebration of Willâs 450th birthday!) and the yearly Bardathon. For more information, visit www.richmondshakespeare.org and www.henleystreettheatre.org.
Elaine Summerfield, host Andrew Hawes, sound engineer