Josh Sobel Named New Artistic Director of Haven Theatre

Haven Theatre Company and Executive Director Carol Cohen have announced Josh Sobel as the organization's newly appointed artistic director. Sobel is an established freelance director in the Chicago storefront theater scene, having worked with a variety of companies such as A Red Orchid Theatre, The Ruckus, Collaboraction, New Leaf Theatre and Strawdog Theatre Company, where he also serves as literary manager and ensemble member. In addition to assuming the role of artistic director for Haven Theatre Company, Sobel will be directing We Three at the side project this fall and The Pied Piper at Strawdog Theatre Company next summer. He is a graduate of Oberlin College.

"When I was first introduced to Haven with its hit production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, I immediately saw that this was a company with values that I admired and shared, and one that I was incredibly eager to work with," said Sobel. "I'm honored to work with Carol for a company with such superb artistic standards, employing the finest artists in the city to consistently create truly riveting theatre. In my new role, I hope to further grow and define the Haven Theatre Company identity for Chicago audiences."

Cohen is pleased with how Sobel's appointment will affect the company as a whole. "In addition to strong directorial skills, Josh is a very capable dramaturg and has a strong history of theatre administration. Our directors will be at an advantage having Sobel to collaborate with on bringing their artistic vision to the stage."

"Sobel's rich production history and artistic connections will further create Haven as not only an organization whose work is sought after to view, but as one that is sought after to work with," Cohen added. "Haven has prided itself on the level of talent it has been able to bring to its audiences with past productions like The Wedding Singer and, most recently, Seminar. With Josh, we hope to broaden the pool of high-caliber artists available to us."

Sobel replaces Cody Estle, a founder of Haven Theatre Company along with Cohen, who has accepted an offer to become Raven Theatre Company's associate artistic director. Estle will continue to serve as an artistic associate with Haven.

Haven Theatre Company's second annual season begins with Hot Georgia Sunday by Catherine Trieschmann, directed by Marti Lyons, playing November 21 - December 21 at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. Don't Go Gentle by Stephen Belber, directed by Cody Estle, will close the season next summer with performances May 30 - July 12, 2015 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont.

Josh Sobel is an Ensemble Member and Literary Manager with Strawdog Theatre Company, where he directed the world premieres of The Hunting of the Snark (subsequently remounted with Chicago's "Night Out In The Parks" and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland) and Best Beloved: The Just So Stories in Strawdog Theatre Company's Hugen Hall. Directing credits include work at Chicago Dramatists, A Red Orchid Theatre, LiveWire Chicago Theatre, Collaboraction's Sketchbook, WildClaw Theatre, Polarity Ensemble Theatre, The Fine Print Theatre Company, Citadel Theatre, The Greenhouse Theater Center, The Ruckus, Abbie-Fest and New Leaf Theatre. His production of Idris Goodwin's How We Got On received Honorable Mention from Kerry Reid in the Chicago Tribune's "Best of the Fringe 2013" listing. From 2010-2013 he served as associate director of the National Theater Institute summer "Theatermakers" program at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Sobel is the recipient of a Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC) Observership on Hamlet at Writers' Theatre and is an associate member of SDC.

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