Patrick Torres Named New Artistic Director of Raleigh Little Theatre

After a nation-wide search, Raleigh Little Theatre has announced the selection of a new Artistic Director, Patrick Torres.

Torres, 37, is the fourteenth artistic director in the theatre's nearly 80 year history, and the first person of color in this role. He succeeds Haskell Fitz-Simons, who passed away in May 2013 after 30 years of distinguished service.

Torres brings a unique combination of professional and artistic achievement to this role. After receiving his BFA from Texas State University and MFA in Directing from the University of Southern Mississippi, he served as directing fellow and teaching artist at Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC, Associate Artistic Director at Young Playwrights' Theater and for the last three years as Program Director at the Austin nonprofit Creative Action.

"This is a great moment for Raleigh Little Theatre and for Patrick. His experience, his heart, vision and artistic spirit will serve the organization and the community extraordinarily well. He's a wonderful person, a great artist and a deeply caring leader," said David Snider, Director of Artistic Programming at Arena Stage and Torres' former co-worker at Young Playwrights' Theater.

His 2013 production of Sunset Limited at Trinity Street Players in Austin was nominated for Outstanding Production of a Drama in the B. Iden Payne Awards, which supports, promotes and recognizes excellence in Austin's theatre community. While at Young Playwrights Theater, a program he developed and directed won the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama and The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. He was named a Young Leader of Color in 2008 by Theatre Communications Group.

Torres is selected for his creative leadership, proven commitment to theatre education and community outreach and experience working with both adults and young people. As Artistic Director, Torres will set a strategic direction for the theater's artistic programming and community engagement through theater education.

"I had the pleasure of interacting with Patrick during the search process. Patrick is a dynamic artist and leader who displayed a keen interest and understanding of RLT's rich history while also having a vision for the future growth of the theatre. Patrick's experience working with adults and youth as well as volunteers will serve RLT well in its mission to enrich, educate and entertain the community," said Mike McGee, co-chair of the search committee.

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