Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Appoints Three Associate Artists

Playhouse in the Park Artistic Director Blake Robison announced today the appointment of three associate artists for the theatre. Timothy Douglas, KJ Sanchez and Michael Evan Haney will work with Robison as the institution's primary artists for the next two seasons.

Each artist will direct two Playhouse productions and spend 15 weeks per year in residence interacting with patrons, students and the community at large.

"This is a unique, new paradigm for engaging artists in the life of our institution. Together, they will participate in season planning and form the backbone of our directing corps. They bring a diversity of background, experience and viewpoint to The Playhouse. It's an inclusive, forward-looking model that excites me very much," said Robison.

Timothy Douglas is a leading director whose credits include the world premiere of August Wilson's Radio Golf and productions at major theatres across the country, including The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, LA's Mark Taper Forum and Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Playhouse audiences will get a first taste of his work with this spring's production of Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful.

KJ Sanchez has worked at leading theatres, including Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville and Baltimore's CENTERSTAGE. She is founder and CEO of American Records, a company that creates interview based theatre in communities across America. She is currently working with Playhouse staff, board members, community leaders and CCM students on a work exploring the impact and legacy of Cincinnati's King Records.

Michael Evan Haney has served as The Playhouse's Associate Artistic Director for the past 10 years. During this time, he has directed more than 25 productions, including the annual production of A Christmas Carol. He is a mainstay of the local arts scene, directing frequently at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. This spring at The Playhouse he will direct the noir thriller Double Indemnity.

In addition to their directorial assignments, all three artists will interact with The Playhouse's staff and board, conduct audience discussions, work with students and participate in community outreach activities.

"These directors bring experience, talent, passion and diversity to The Playhouse. They are outstanding creative artists who understand the importance of reaching out to our community.

I look forward to collaborating with them, as we shape The Playhouse's future together," said Robison.

The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to ArtsWave.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund The Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.