Hackmatack Playhouse Artistic Director Sharon Hilton to Step Down this Year

Hackmatack Playhouse Executive Producer and owner has announced that Artistic Director Sharon Hilton will be stepping down at the end of the 2014 summer season and will be spending her time working on other projects. Hilton has been involved with the Playhouse since it's inception in 1972, and has been Artistic Director for the past 12 years. She stated, "after many years it is time to bring new energies to the Hackmatack Playhouse".

"Sharon has been the foundation to our artistic integrity over the past few years" said Michael Guptill, Executive Producer and owner of Hackmatack Playhouse. "She has insisted on a high level of professionalism and loyalty and is a true believer in the collaborative production process".

Hilton is well known in the seacoast area for her involvement with many artistic companies and schools. She founded the Renaissance Stage Company in the 1980's, and soon after, InterPlay Productions, a theater education touring company. Her artistic projects have taken her to many of the area stages including the Portsmouth Music Hall and the Rochester Opera House.

Hilton has overseen Hackmatack productions including "All Shook Up", "Hello Dolly" and "Les Miserables." She is currently scheduled to appear as the lead character in the play "The Trip to Bountiful" opening at Hackmatack on August 20.

Hilton is fond of telling people that her work in the barn began by helping Carleton Guptill milk the cows as a child, and now helps actors "milk" the audience for laughs.

Hilton is the fourth Artistic Director since the passing of Hackmatack founder S Carleton Guptill. David Kaye, Sam Salamoni, and Alexis and Stephen Dascoulias all preceded her.

Crystal Lisbon has been named to replace Hilton as Artistic Director.

Hackmatack is mid-way through the regular season with Monty Python's "Spamalot," now playing through Saturday, August 16; and the final production of the summer will be "The Trip to Bountiful," Wednesday, August 20 through Saturday, August 30. Regular season shows are Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm with Thursday matinees at 2:00.

Hackmatack Playhouse (Route 9, Berwick, Maine) continues a tradition of affordable ticket prices with student, senior, and group discounts. Tickets for regular season shows are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, Thursday senior special of $20, and $10 for students under age 20. Tickets are available on-line at www.Hackmatack.org or by phone, 207-698-1807.

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