Utah Rep Expands to Reorganize Board and Add New Members

To propel continued growth and increase its level of professionalism, Utah Repertory Theater Company announces the addition of Kymberly Mellen to its board of advisers as Executive Producer: Artistic Adviser/Casting.

"Kym will bring a level of professionalism and experience to the board that I couldn't be more excited for," said Johnny Hebda, founder of Utah Rep. "Her vast experience in the professional world in both theater and film and her connections throughout the U.S. will help Utah Rep improve in accomplishing its mission and in the quality of productions produced. Kym has one of the strongest resumes and level of experience in the state, and brings somewhat of an outside perspective to the Utah theater scene which is fresh and exciting."

Mellen recently relocated to Utah, after working as an actress and director for Northlight Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Jackson Hole Playhouse. She is well known for her numerous lead roles at Utah Shakespeare Festival, including Madame Thenardier in "LES MISERABLES," Gertrude in "Hamlet," Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth," and Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing," and her work with Pioneer Theatre Company. Mellen currently heads the Drama Academy at Pioneer Charter High School for the Performing Arts, and is directing the Sundance Summer Theatre production of "Annie Get Your Gun." Her accolades include Chicago's Joseph Jefferson Award for Outstanding Performance in a Featured Role, an After Dark Award, and Creative Chicagoan of the Year from the Chicago Sun Times.

"With the reorganization of Utah Rep and the addition of several new members, we will be able to specialize in areas of expertise insuring greater detail is given to all areas of the company which will increase the quality of productions and help us to share the workload necessary in carrying out our ambitious seasons," Mellen said.

As part of the Utah Rep's board reorganization, four Executive Producers have been appointed. Hebda will serve as Director of Development, and Janine Sobeck as Dramaturg/Marketing Supervisor. Two new board members have joined the company as Executive Producers: JC Carter, Business Manager/Website Manager; and Chase Ramsey, Technical Producer/Black Box Producer.

"We have big, bold long-term goals and the organizational ability to accomplish them," Mellen said. "I feel very lucky to discover and contribute to this company at a serendipitous time of exploration and expansion.

"Utah Rep is poised for rapid growth and artistic success," Mellen added. "I see fantastic productions centering on great writers, creative designers and actors in our future. I see a solid financial expansion which will enable us to hire equity actors and pay all artisans competitive rates and beyond. I see us producing complicated, challenging theater for deeply thinking and feeling people. I see a community of well-organized, trustworthy, ambitious, and creative people working together to produce productions that provoke thought, discussion and even arguments. I look forward to Theatre that causes me to re-evaluate my relationships, choices, consequences, and allegiances."

The appointment of several resident members of the board has been announced. They are Michael Gray, Lighting Designer; Emily Griffith, Production Manager; Jill Hancey-Hoover, Music Director; William Cooper Howell, Choreographer; Ashley Ramsey, Hair and Make-up Designer/Assistant Director of Development; and Allen Stout, Costume Designer.

Utah Rep will soon announce its 2014 season that will include four main stage and two black box productions.

For more information on the company, visit UtahRep.org.

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