Rob Winn Anderson Retires as Artistic Director of Garden Theatre

After more than a decade at the Garden Theatre, Rob Winn Anderson will retire as Artistic Director at the end of the 2018-2019 season. A national search for Anderson's successor will begin in February 2019.

Anderson joined the Garden Theatre in 2008 as the writer and director of Curtain Up, a gala event that opened the renovated theatre and featured local talent as well as Broadway star Davis Gaines. After he came on board as the Garden's first full-time Artistic Director in 2017, Anderson was able to realize his vision of artistic excellence and technical innovation in West Orange County. Throughout his 11 year tenure, Anderson has been an integral part in the Garden's growth and development, steering it into regional prominence and positioning it as one of Central Florida's leading theatres.

"I have so many fond memories from the eleven years that I spent as a director, as an artistic director, and of course as a Garden Theatre fan like everyone else," said Rob Winn Anderson. "Knowing that I've helped position the organization for a strong artistic future, I feel ready to begin the next chapter in my life, personally and professionally, and watch the Garden grow as a loyal supporter for many years to come."

In addition to leading the artistic vision of the Garden Theatre, Anderson has been a winner and finalist for several prestigious awards and script development

programs. His musical, Christmas by Committee , saw its world premiere at the Garden. Anderson's play, A Tennessee Walk , was produced at the Garden Theatre, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, and Jacksonville State University. Also, Alice Lost in Wonderland (now Shattered Alice ) premiered at the Garden Theatre as part of Beth Marshall Presents to impressive audience response.

A graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, Rob is also an active member of AEA, SAG, AFTRA, and AGVA.

"Rob is a remarkable collaborator, and we are profoundly grateful to him for his leadership, passion, and dedication," said Executive Director Nao Tsurumaki . "Over the past decade, he has dedicated his creative life to the Garden and has cultivated a growing community of artists, audiences, and supporters. I'm so grateful for his contribution and we're excited to celebrate his achievements and legacy."

Garden Theatre will open the application process in mid-February to begin the search for a new Artistic Director. Interested candidates may visit https://www.gardentheatre.org/get-involved/careers/ for a full job description and to submit an application.

ABOUT THE GARDEN THEATRE

Garden Theatre of Winter Garden celebrates its 11th anniversary during the 2018-2019 performance season. Originally built in 1935 as a single-screen cinema, the theatre was the first in Central Florida built for "talkies" and was a gathering place for locals to watch the latest newsreels and films of the day. The building was restored to its former glory in 2008, and the 295-seat Garden Theatre, with a current annual budget of $1.5 million, has grown to a performing arts center with extensive programming that includes professional live theatre, concerts, dance, special events, movies, and a thriving year-round arts education program. Visit gardentheatre.org or contact 407-877-4736 for details about the 2018-2019 season.

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