Writers' Theatre Welcomes Stuart Carden as Associate Artistic Director

Writers' Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce the appointment of Stuart Carden as the company's Associate Artistic Director.

"I'm so excited to be in collaboration with Stuart," comments Michael Halberstam. "He has a rich background in literary development, a keen and ambitious scope of work as a director and a passion for the administrative challenges that come with supporting artistic direction. In a very short time I believe we will see Stuart's strength of perspective and influence find its way onto the stages of Writers' Theatre. Stay tuned!"

"I'm thrilled to be back home in the thriving Chicago theatre community as Writers' Theatre's new Associate Artistic Director. Michael Halberstam and Kathryn Lipuma have created something extraordinary in Glencoe and I'm honored to join the passionate and vibrant group of artists and theater-makers that call Writers' home," says Stuart Carden. "Through the course of my career my theatrical raison d'être has been helping bring new and diverse voices to the stage and I'm looking forward to bringing that passion for new work to Writers' exciting Literary Development Initiative."

Stuart Carden joins Writers' Theatre as Associate Artistic Director after two seasons at City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh where he was Associate Artistic Director. As a new play specialist, Stuart has helped to develop over thirty plays, twelve of which he directed in their world premiere productions. Notable regional, U.S., and world premieres include works by Martin Crimp, David Henry Hwang, Tristine Skyler, Jeffrey Hatcher, Shishir Kurup, Richard Dresser and Yussef El Guindi. Last season his production of Martin McDonagh's The Lieutenant of Inishmore at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis garnered five Kevin Kline nominations including "Outstanding Production" and "Outstanding Director."

In Chicago he directed the world premiere production of Shishir Kurup's The Merchant on Venice at Silk Road Theatre Project, which was named one of the top ten plays of 2007 by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Time Out Chicago. Other recent new play work includes directing Mary's Wedding, The Pillowman, Stones in his Pockets, A Picasso, The Moonlight Room, 10 Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith, Big Love and Back of the Throat. Classical and classically inspired directing projects include The False Servant, Spring Awakening, Life is a Dream, The Crucible, The Game of Love and Chance, Miss Julie, A Streetcar Named Desire and his own adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman.

Stuart has taught acting, directing and movement at Carnegie Mellon University, The Hartt School, Loyola University, Beloit College and Act One Studios. He holds an M.F.A. in directing from Carnegie Mellon University and is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. In the 2009/10 season Stuart is slated to direct David Harrower's Blackbird at City Theatre Company and a play very familiar to Writers' Theatre audiences, Crime and Punishment adapted by Curt Columbus and Marilyn Campbell, at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.

About Writers' Theatre
Writers' Theatre is a professional company focusing on the Word and the Artist. Remaining true to the intention of the playwright and nurturing the artist stand at the center of the mission. Now in its 18th season, the company both revives classic scripts and cultivates new works and adaptations while invigorating them with fresh energy in the intimacy of its venues. Founded in 1992, Writers' Theatre performed exclusively at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Avenue for the first 12 years. In the fall of 2003, the organization opened a new 108 seat performance venue at 325 Tudor Court. Today, Writers' Theatre continues to produce in both spaces, maintaining an intimate theatrical experience for audiences. Since 2000, the subscriber base has grown almost 250%, from 1,500 to more than 5,000 today. With an operating budget of $3.3 million, Writers' Theatre is supported by a staff of 18 full-time employees and a 31-member Board of Trustees.