Deana Duncan Named Artistic Director Of WICA

Deana Duncan, long-time Program and Production Director of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, has been named Artistic Director of the Langley, WA based organization.

Serving at WICA for the last 18 years, Duncan has been instrumental in the offering and artistic oversight of thousands of events in theatre, dance, music, literary, and visual arts.

As Artistic Director, Duncan produces all WICA shows, and manages the booking and supervision of guest productions. She has control of the theatrical, musical, and creative direction of the organization.

""This community has worked hard to build and support this organization and we are honored to be a cultural hub not only for Langley, and South Whidbey but the Pacific Northwest and beyond. I'm thrilled to be able to serve this community and so happy to step us as Artistic Director and help hone the creative vision to our audiences," says Duncan.

Asked about the purpose of programming for the region's theater and music lovers, Duncan said: "Our audiences are smart, well read, well -traveled and don't' want to be "just entertained. While it's important to try and stay just ahead of the audience, enough to be challenging, fresh and modern we also have to keep our pulse on what conversations are resonating with our public. What stories are important to tell right now, right here?"

Deana Duncan began at WICA as a volunteer in 1999 and came on staff in 2000. She was instrumental in the launch of the WICA Theatre Series and has directed 8 and produced all 92 of the plays produced by WICA in the last 18 years.

Deana holds a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership from Seattle University, a BFA in Theatre Arts and Communications from the University of Nevada, Reno, and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The Stella Adler Conservatory. She studied directing with Tony award winner Bartlett Sher during his tenure as Artistic Director at Intiman Theatre in Seattle, WA.

WICA is world renowned for holding the annual DjangoFest, a week long tribute to jazz pioneer Django Reinhart. "We use Django as a stepping off point, and each year the music goes in so many different, and charming directions," Duncan said. "We plan to continue this idea, and keep making jazz roots relevant to our most modern affectinados." DjangoFest for 2018 just concluded last week.

WICA is also host to a full theatrical season, new ballet, comedy events, classical and world music concerts, and the nationally known political lecture series hosted by Robert Merry, this year featuring luminaries like CNN's Gloria Borger, and Clinton Press Secretary Mike McClurry.

"WICA is more than plays and concerts; it's a complete cultural center for everyone in the area, " said Duncan. "Our community demands more every year, and we plan to continually expand our offerings, to keep everyone on the leading edge of the arts, humanities, and the most exciting creative and cultural achievements."

Whidbey Island Center for the Arts is a non-profit arts organization, serving Whidbey Island and the surrounding Puget Sound area.

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