ITHACA — Hangar Theatre has appointed Jen Waldman as its new artistic director. Her tenure will begin in mid-August when the theatre concludes its summer season.
Waldman’s first season as the Hangar’s artistic director will coincide with the theatre’s 40th anniversary.
Waldman brings extensive Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre experience to her new role, having worked as a director, choreographer, actor, teacher, and movement coach based in New York City, the Hangar Theatre said in a news release.
A graduate of Ithaca College, Waldman says she looks forward to re-immersing herself in the local community and ensuring that the Hangar continues to offer “outstanding and diverse theatrical programs,” the news release said.
“I fell in love with this theatre 20 years ago when, as a college student, I bought my first ticket to a Hangar production,” Waldman said.
Hangar Theatre Managing Director Josh Friedman has collaborated with Waldman in the past, including on The Gershwins’ “An American in Paris” at the Alley Theatre in Houston, for which she served as associate director.
“I’ve known Jen for years, and I look forward to the two of us forging a partnership that will be rewarding for the Hangar and our entire community,” Friedman stated in the release. “Jen is a great choice for many reasons. She is an artist, a leader, and an educator. Her heart is already tied to the Hangar and the Ithaca arts community, and at the same time she will help us continue to forge rewarding connections with the New York theatre scene.”
In addition to shaping programming for the Hangar’s summer performance season, Waldman will oversee the organization’s diverse education programs.
The Hangar Theatre began its search earlier this year after the departure of Peter Flynn, who had been the theatre’s artistic director for five seasons. Stephanie Yankwitt has been serving as the acting artistic director and will continue that role through the conclusion of the 2013 main stage season in mid-August.
Contact Carbonaro at mcarbonaro@cnybj.com