Joanna Settle Announces Plans to Depart Shakespeare on the Sound

Shakespeare on the Sound, Connecticut's premier outdoor summer theater company, today announced that Joanna Settle will step down as artistic director at the end of her contractual term, which concluded following The company's 17th season this past July. Settle directed four successful productions for The company, including A Midsummer Night's Dream, Othello, Much Ado About Nothing, and this year's critically acclaimed Romeo & Juliet. Settle drew nationally renowned acting and creative teams to The company during her tenure, including the composers Stew and Heidi Rodewald (Passing Strange), who brought their singular talents to providing original music and, in the case of Romeo & Juliet, new text for the productions Settle helmed. In addition, Settle founded the Shakespeare on the Sound Apprentice Company.

"I have been absolutely delighted to bring a contemporary and fresh take on Shakespeare's classics to this thoughtful and engaged community," said Settle. "While it is time for me to move on, I look forward to seeing the work that this important company produces for many years to come."

"With Joanna's artistic leadership Shakespeare on the Sound brought first class theater to our communities," added Leslie Lawrence, Shakespeare on the Sound Board President. "The productions brought national recognition to this theater company and our audiences have enjoyed every one of them. We wish her the continued success that we believe her talent deserves."

Shakespeare on the Sound has established itself as one of the most popular summer theater companies on the East Coast, drawing large audiences to each performance in the unique under-the-stars settings of its waterfront venues – Pinkney Park in Rowayton and Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich. Shakespeare on the Sound productions are presented to the public free of charge.

For more information on Shakespeare on the Sound, visit www.shakespeareonthesound.org.