Open Stage of Harrisburg's Founders Retire After 31 Seasons

Open Stage of Harrisburg announced today that theatre mainstays Anne and Don Alsedek will retire June 30, 2017, at the conclusion of the theatre's 31st season. Anne, current Educational Director, and Don, current Producing Artistic Director, have been the driving force behind Open Stage of Harrisburg since founding the theatre in 1983. Stuart Landon, current Associate Artistic Director, has been named as the new Producing Artistic Director. David M. Glasgow has been named the new Director of Music and Education.

The Alsedeks, along with Marianne Fischer, founded Open Stage in response to the 1982 Mayor's Task Force for the Arts for Harrisburg Report, which cited a need for theatre of a higher quality in the area. The Open Stage Studio/School opened in 1985, and the theatre's first full season opened in 1986. The first location for Open Stage was called the "Alley Theatre", located in the back of an office on Jonestown Road. The theatre has been in its current location at the Walnut Street Parking Garage, in downtown Harrisburg, since 1992.

Under the Alsedeks' leadership, Open Stage has become a cultural landmark in Harrisburg, offering thought-provoking and innovative theatre.

"I think we created a space that reaches out to the community," says Anne. "We connect the piece on stage to the lives of the people who view it."

The Alsedeks and Open Stage were also instrumental in the formation of the Capital Area School for the Arts. The school was founded in 2001 through a partnership between Open Stage and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. The school is now a full-day intensive academic arts charter school.

Anne has been responsible for the educational offerings of Open Stage, spearheading the Studio/School and teaching classes to both children and adults. She has also starred in many of Open Stage's productions, and can be seen in the theatre's next show, Uncanny Valley. Don has been responsible for the business side of the theatre, as well as directing many of each season's mainstage shows. Don was also the force behind the development of an African-American theatre company called Sankofa, which will serve as an off-shoot of Open Stage.

Mr. Alsedek says he is proud of his work at Open Stage. "I've enjoyed doing it, and I still enjoy doing it, and I think that's the time to leave," says Don. "There are new things on the horizon. There always are."

After stepping down from her current position, Anne will continue to support the theatre's Studio/School by teaching adult acting classes. Don is taking a year off from the theatre, but may be back to direct in the future.

"More than 30 years is a long time to have started a theater from scratch. To be able to pass it on in fine working order to a new generation is a real achievement," says Nick Hughes, board member emeritus. "Don and Anne have made a difference in the lives of the people who live in and around the city."

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