People's Light Announces Expansion of the Theatre's Artistic Team

Following their recent leadership transition in which Producing Artistic Director Zak Berkman succeeded former Executive Artistic Director Abigail Adams, People's Light announces an exciting expansion of their artistic team with four new appointments. Broadway-favorite Steve H. Broadnax III (Thoughts of a Colored Man) transitions from Resident Director to People's Light Associate Artistic Director. Lisa Portes leads new play development as Director of New Works. Mieke D joins the company as Director of Community Programs, and Nikko Kimzin serves as Associate Producer for the much-anticipated world premiere of Eisa Davis' Mushroom.

"This is a turbulent time when we need to ask big questions, to probe who we are and who we want to be, as an organization and as a culture," explains Berkman. "Steve, Lisa, Mieke, and Nikko are all joyful inquisitors who lead with care and curiosity. I'm ecstatic to have them join our artistic team as we plan and pursue the next evolution of People's Light."

A highly sought-after actor, educator, director, and writer, Steve H. Broadnax III has worked extensively in regional theatre for over 20 years and serves as co-head of the MFA Directing Program at Penn State University. His Broadway directorial debut, Thoughts of a Colored Man, recently received a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Broadway Production, and the world premiere of Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland, written and directed by Broadnax, runs on the People's Light Leonard C. Haas Stage through June 12. As Associate Artistic Director, Broadnax will direct select People's Light productions, develop and serve as lead producer for various projects, and oversee a program for emerging directors in partnership with Penn State.

"I've been calling People's Light 'the light of the People' since I directed my first production here in 2016," says Broadnax. "It's such a supportive environment for artists to call home. I'm thrilled to join Zak for this next evolution of the company, and to make work that is deeply meaningful for our region, and for the theatre field as a whole. I'm excited to begin with Bayard Rustin Inside Ashland and go from there!"

Lisa Portes is an award-winning director, advocate, leader, and educator whose aim is to define and promote a new American theatre that is driven aesthetically and politically by the world we are becoming rather than the world we've been. As Director of New Works at People's Light, Portes will lead New Play Frontiers-the theatre's Residency and Commission Program where nationally renowned playwrights create new works inspired by our region-and serve as lead producer of a new works festival in spring of 2023.

"I'm thrilled to join the incredible team at People's Light under the visionary leadership of Zak Berkman, who follows in the footsteps of the legendary Abigail Adams," Portes says. "I am particularly excited by the possibility of making People's Light a destination for directors and writers in the development of the new American canon."

Mieke D brings to People's Light over fifteen years of experience in professional theatre as an experimental and community-based writer, performer, director, administrator, facilitator, teaching artist, and cultural organizer. As Director of Community Programs, they will lead in-community initiatives, cultivate local partnerships, and produce community-centered events.

"I am passionate about theatre as a vehicle for civic engagement," Mieke shares. "People's Light has demonstrated their commitment to integrating civic practice, arts education, and theatrical excellence as spokes on a shared wheel. I'm excited to breathe new life into community-focused initiatives by getting to know stakeholders, actively asking questions, inviting fresh ideas, and creatively problem-solving new ways to address local issues."

Nikko Kimzin is a producer, teacher, performer, director, and arts consultant (Kimzin Creative) who guides organizations in creating equitable change that is community-created and upheld. As Associate Producer for the upcoming world premiere of Eisa Davis' Kennett Square-inspired Mushroom-the next play to emerge from New Play Frontiers-Kimzin will steer the multifaceted production and help engage local Latinx community partners.

"I am excited to work in collaboration with People's Light and our local partners as we honor the strengths and cultural wealth of the communities reflected within Mushroom," Kimzin offers. "Our work will be to advance these communities artistically, economically, and socially."

With Berkman and his Executive Leadership team of Erica Ezold (Director of Finance & Operations) and Erin Sheffield (General Manager) at the helm, the reconfigured artistic cabinet-which also includes Director of Production Charles T. Brastow and Director of Education & Civic Practice Kathryn Moroney-lead strategic planning and season selection for the 48-year-old Malvern theatre.

"We're eager to explore new models of artistic leadership as People's Light seeks to be a creative home for theatre makers and storytellers with a wide range of backgrounds," Berkman concludes. "We're excited to conspire with this new group of artists, along with one more full-time position we plan to hire by the fall, to invest in creative work that builds on our history of collaboration as well as engages us more purposefully with our distinctive region."

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