Paige Price to Depart Theatre Aspen to Become Producing Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Company

Theatre Aspen announced that Executive Artistic Director Paige Price will depart this spring after ten years with the organization. Price leaves after the most successful Theatre Aspen season to date, to take a position as the Producing Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Company, succeeding Sara Garonzik, who served in the role for 35 years. Price will continue as a consultant to Theatre Aspen, helping to execute the summer season. The organization has commenced its search for a new Artistic Director.

The organization also announced the hiring of Markus Potter as the new Associate Artistic Director. Potter, a NY-based director and producer, and current Artistic Director of New York Rep, joins the Theatre Aspen team to oversee the Apprentice Program, bring new focus to the Theatre Aspen School and to assist the Executive Artistic Director. He will work closely with Price to carry out the theatre's artistic responsibilities over the summer while the Executive Artistic Director search is conducted.

Board President Kimberly Schlosser said, "I have had the pleasure of getting to know Paige, not only as a creative, hardworking, brilliant artist and executive, but also as a friend. Paige has been instrumental in transforming our organization from a small-town summer theatre to a nationally recognized one. Her vision and commitment have brought Theatre Aspen to new levels and we look forward to building on this foundation. We are very proud of Paige and wish her the absolute best in her new role."

"Theatre Aspen took a chance on me ten years ago and for that I am deeply grateful," said Price. "I have worked alongside the most committed board, dedicated staff, inspired artists and amidst a remarkably supportive community of donors, audiences and friends. I have never been so confident in the vitality of Theatre Aspen; I am only able to consider this exciting opportunity, because I know the organization is incredibly well positioned for success."

During a decade under Price's leadership, Theatre Aspen increased revenue by 127 percent, conducted a capital campaign to create the Hurst Theatre, instituted a professional Apprentice Program and launched the Aspen Theatre Festival for new work. Last year the theatre was the most honored in Colorado, winning eight Henry Awards, including Outstanding Season by a Theatre.

The organization looks forward to bringing on board an Executive Artistic Director committed to leading Theatre Aspen's next chapter. Theatre Aspen is dedicated to pursuing its mission to rekindle a sense of discovery in audiences who live in and visit the Roaring Fork Valley by producing big theatre in a small space with intimate, exciting storytelling; to educate the next generation of theatre artists and enthusiasts and to support the creation of new work for the American theatre canon.

Theatre Aspen's 34th summer season opens at the Hurst Theatre with the Tony Award-winning blockbuster musical HAIRSPRAY, running in repertory with Laura Eason's Sex with Strangers, and a revised version of the musical The World According to Snoopy.

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