New Co-Producing Artistic Directors named at Rep Stage

Jul 2, 2013
Rep Stage

Rep Stage, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Howard Community College (HCC), has announced the naming of Suzanne E. Beal and Joseph W. Ritsch as the theatre's new co-producing artistic directors.

"We are absolutely thrilled about this pairing," says Valerie Lash, the college's dean of arts and humanities and Rep Stage's founding artistic director. "With their combined expertise and experience, we're confident that Suzanne and Joseph will form a strong artistic team, lead Rep Stage into a new season, and continue to bring Rep Stage's brand of theatre to the community."

Suzanne E. Beal comes to Rep Stage with a unique blend of experience in theatre and higher education administration and instruction. An accomplished director and playwright, she is currently the board chair of the Maryland Ensemble Theatre in Frederick, where she is also an associate artist and resident director. Ms. Beal recently retired as the vice president of learning at Frederick Community College, where she was also a professor of English. She has also taught theatre history and dramatic literature courses at Hood College.

Joseph W. Ritsch is also a theatre educator and artistic administrator. A director, performer, playwright, and choreographer, he is the co-founder of Iron Crow Theatre Company in Baltimore, where he also served as associate artistic director. He is a principal ensemble member with New York's Jane Comfort and Company, one of the industry's premier movement theatre ensembles. Mr. Ritsch is also a 2010 WordBRIDGE playwriting fellow.

Ms. Beal and Mr. Ritsch will replace Michael Stebbins, who stepped down as Rep Stage's artistic director in May after nearly eight seasons.