Theatre News Wire

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company announced today the hire of Timothy Douglas, as Remy Bumppo's incoming artistic director. Mr. Douglas, age 49, has built a career as a stage director, actor and educator, proving his versatility as both an acclaimed interpreter of the classics and contemporary drama. He worked in the Chicago area from 1988 - 1991, before going on to serve as a resident director at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles from 1994 - 1997, and associate artistic director at Actor's Theatre of Louisville from 2001 - 2004. He has been a company member with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Mass. since 1986.

Board President Karen Randolph who chaired the search committee says, "It was daunting to think about finding a successor for James." She recalls Timothy Douglas' cover letter among the many applications for the position. "Timothy's letter gave the search committee confidence that there would be a candidate out there that had not only the top-notch professional qualifications, but also the heart and humanity we sought."

"I knew Timothy was the one when I saw how our people leaned in during his interview presentation," stated Executive Director Kristin Larsen. "I am personally excited about continuing and creating more opportunities for our artistic community to play a part in the work Remy Bumppo is known for producing."

"The decision to offer him the position was unanimous among artistic associates, board and administrative staff." Artistic Director James Bohnen says, "While Timothy has never worked with us formally, he ran a workshop with the Artistic Associates that left them hugely enthusiastic about the prospect of working together."

Timothy Douglas looks forward to returning to Chicago in the role of Remy Bumppo Artistic Director. He describes his appreciation for the company's legacy, and vision for its future in an acceptance letter. An excerpt follows:

"As the stage is being set for my inaugural season, my soul stands erect upon the shoulders of this company's unshakable core of artistic excellence, and I am committed to sustaining the smart, vital, thrilling, clear, provoking, relevant, and entertaining theatre that audiences have come to rely upon with this revered company. Further, as Remy Bumppo Theatre Company enters its next chapter, we will lean even further into the events of this complicated world, and reflect its kaleidoscopic tapestry back to our audiences and community by organizing the chaos through craft and with purpose, integrity and the inherent healing properties that can only occur through the transforming power of live theater. We throw open our doors even wider, augmenting our role as the ultimate community center where passionate discourse through the craft of rhetoric and the art of storytelling stakes its claim as the final frontier toward mending, sustaining and growing a civilization of integrity and vision. It is in this spirit of inclusion, and our commitment to revealing the Truth (with a capital 'T') that in short order, Remy Bumppo's moniker of 'think theatre' will become synonymous with 'feel theatre'."

Timothy Douglas' new position as artistic director of Remy Bumppo begins July 1, 2011. However, he joins the company on a part-time advisory basis for the remainder of the 2010-11 season to inform programming and budgeting for the 2011-12 season. Mr. Douglas' time in Chicago will be scheduled around his 2010-11 season directing commitments including: The Etiquette of Vigilance for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's First Look Series; Marcus: Or The Secret of Sweet for the Studio Theatre Company in Washington D.C.; Horton Foote's A Trip To Bountiful a co-production starting at Cleveland Play House and moving to Round House Theatre in Washington D.C.; and Hamlet for the LA Women's Shakespeare Company.