Actors' Shakespeare Project Names Kim Dawson as Executive Producer

Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP), the Somerville-based itinerant theater company, currently finishing its 12th season (opening Sheridan's comedy The School for Scandal this week), announced it has named Kimberly Dawson as permanent Executive Producer, effective immediately.

"We are thrilled to have Kim formally join us as part of the ASP team," said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. "She brings a keen theatrical sensibility to our company, and we feel very fortunate to have her officially on board." Dawson has served as Interim Executive Producer since June 1, 2015, part of a leadership team including Mr. Burrows, and Mara Sidmore, Director of Education Programs, Projects & Partnerships.

"I am honored and humbled to continue on in the role of Executive Producer at this incredible company," says Dawson. "Our mission connecting the texts of Shakespeare with what it means to be human-here and now-is an open invitation to create work that aims straight at the heart of the present. My role in that process is to focus on supporting the artistic integrity of our work deepening our relationships with patrons, funders, and foundations. I am confident ASP will continue to fortify its position in the Boston theater community, connecting our stage productions to a wider audience and more young people to Shakespeare through our statewide education work."

Dawson has worked for more than 15 years as an artist, educator, administrator, and humanitarian in multiple cities, and was recognized as a Citizen Artist Scholar at the Aspen Ideas Festival in 2013. She has served in leadership roles for two local arts organizations in Boston including Zumix, founded an independent theater company, taught and facilitated workshops on literacy through art-making, and performed as a professional actress. She holds a BFA in Acting from Boston University and a Master's degree in Arts in Education from Harvard University.

"Since she joined us as Interim Executive Producer, Kim has worked extensively and closely with our Board, staff, actors and community partners," said Board President David Sandberg. "When the time came to start hiring the permanent position, it was easy-the Board unanimously decided that Kim's personal style, competence, understanding of the company's work and mission, and the quality of the relationships she has developed both within and outside of the organization met all our goals for the long term."

Actors' Shakespeare Project is an award-winning professional theater company with a Resident Acting Company and extensive education, youth and community programs. ASP performs and works in found spaces, schools, theaters and neighborhoods to present and explore the robust language, resonant stories, and deeply human characters in Shakespeare's plays and in works by other great playwrights. The company's work is ensemble-based and focused on intimacy, storytelling, language, relationships, voice, risk and artistry within and throughout the Boston area.

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