Hangar Theatre's Artistic Director Peter Flynn To Step Down

After creatively guiding the Hangar's artistic programming for four seasons, Peter Flynn has announced he will step down as Hangar Theatre Artistic Director in order to accept new opportunities as a freelance director and teacher that center around his home in New York City.

"I am extremely grateful for my time at the Hangar and for the remarkable growth we have accomplished. Together with our Board and staff, I am proud to have developed a bastion of new work through our Pilot Reading Series; and to have enhanced the quality of our Mainstage and KIDDSTUFF productions by integrating nationally celebrated talent with local luminaries."

Hangar Board President Ann Costello is pleased to announce that Stephanie Yankwitt, Hangar Associate Artistic Director, will serve as Acting Artistic Director for the Hangar through fall of 2013. Local audiences have seen Yankwitt's exceptional work on the Hangar Mainstage, most recently as director of "The Trip to Bountiful" and also of 2011's "ROUNDING THIRD". In addition, Yankwitt has served as the producer of the Hangar's KIDDSTUFF series and also as the Hangar's Mainstage and Lab Company Casting Director during for the past three seasons.

"I am grateful to Peter for everything he has contributed toward growing Hangar audiences and artistry," remarks Board President Ann Costello. "Stephanie Yankwitt will continue our tradition of excellence, as she has already demonstrated throughout her past three seasons at the Hangar. I am confident that Stephanie and incoming Managing Director Josh Friedman will work well together to strengthen the Hangar's programming and to enhance our theatre's profile in our community and nationally."

According to Flynn, "Stephanie Yankwitt has been integral to every wise, innovative, and efficient decision I've put in place at the Hangar and, therefore, will continue both the quality and momentum we've established. Stephanie's skills as a professional director and her network of National Theatre artists are as strong as her loyalty to the Ithaca community. The Hangar is in terrific hands."

"I am proud to be carrying on the estimable traditions laid down by Peter and the artistic directors who have preceded him," comments Yankwitt. "I have a fond affection for the Finger Lakes region, and look forward to immersing myself even more deeply in its cultural landscape."

FLynn Hopes to continue his professional affiliation with Hangar audiences as a Mainstage director in future seasons. "The Hangar and its audiences are rare examples of how the performing arts and educational programming can be life-changing to a community," notes Flynn. "I welcome the opportunity to return to Ithaca soon and often."

The Hangar Theatreis committed to providing exceptional theatre experiences of high professional quality to enrich, enlighten, educate, and entertain the diverse audience in the Finger Lakes region and beyond. Strong education and training programs are central parts of our commitment to the local and national artistic communities. Visit our website at www.HangarTheatre.org.

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