Actors' Shakespeare Reveals Leadership Transition

Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP), the Somerville-based itinerant theatre company currently finishing its 11th season, announced today an interim executive leadership change and new board leadership for the organization, beginning with ASP's new fiscal year on August 1, 2015.

ASP's founding Executive Producer Sara Stackhouse will be moving on from her current role on July 31, but will continue to work with ASP in a consulting capacity around fundraising and strategy. Kim Dawson has begun to train as Interim Executive Producer, and will take the reins fully on August 1, alongside Artistic Director Allyn Burrows and Mara Sidmore, Director of Education Programs, Projects & Partnerships, to support this transition as ASP's Board of Directors conducts a formal search for a new, permanent Executive Producer.

"Actors' Shakespeare Project has shaped my life and my thinking in profound ways," says Stackhouse. "I am forever changed by the past 11 years of collaboration with a true ensemble of actors, teachers, artists, youth, audience members, and leaders who are dedicated to creation, risk-taking, young people, our city and each other. Having known Kim Dawson as an arts leader in Boston for many years, I am thrilled with the Board's decision to bring her on as Interim Executive Producer, and confident she will do great things."

Additionally, as Board President Rev. Cynthia Good reaches the end of her tenure, current Vice Chair David Sandberg will assume the Presidency of the ASP Board of Directors for the 15-16 season. Sandberg is former General Counsel of ITA Software (now a part of Google) and co-owner of Porter Square Books in Cambridge.

"After serving as Executive Producer since ASP's inception, we are sad to see Sara leave this role," says Sandberg. "Under her leadership, ASP has acquired two spaces (the Not 2 Be Rehearsal Studio and the Forest of Arden Youth Studio at CWT), increased its operating budget by 1,500%, enjoyed excellent audience support and critical praise, helped to develop nationally recognized youth programs, and became firmly established as a creative fixture in New England and beyond. As we share our gratitude, we are confident and delighted to welcome Kim as she steps into these substantial shoes for the next year."

"I'm thrilled to assume this mantle for ASP's upcoming season, and I plan to follow the examples set forth by Sara, Cynthia, David and the ASP Board, and the resident actors, staff and leadership team," says IEP Kim Dawson. "I hope my experience in nonprofit management, dedication to youth development through the arts, and passion for Shakespeare will serve the organization through this important year of transition."

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, 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 Masters degree in Arts in Education from Harvard University.

Both the short and long-term transitions for the company have been guided by a committee representing a cross-section of the organization's staff, resident acting company, and Board members. This group will continue to inform the Executive Producer and Board leadership transitions, as well as guide the search for a permanent Executive Producer, to be completed by Fall 2016. The committee will also focus on long-term succession plans as ASP begins to implement its new strategic plan for artistic, educational, and financial growth.

"The Actors' Shakespeare Project that people know today was conceived, built, cared for and crafted with a vision and love for what we do," says Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. "In moving into this next phase as an organization, the Board, Resident Acting Company, Mara Sidmore, ASP staff, and I aim to ensure that our future holds as much passion, commitment and joy as the legacy Sara and Cynthia leave behind. I am confident Kim and David's leadership in this coming season will mark an exciting new chapter in our story."

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