Jerry Manning Named Seattle Rep Artistic Director

Seattle, WA — Jerry Manning will become the official artistic head ofSeattle Repertory Theatre, effective July 1, the organization announced today.

After eight years as Seattle Rep's associate artistic director, Manning stepped into an interim leadership position as producing artistic director in 2008. This year Manning led the theatre through one of the most successful seasons in its history.

With those accomplishments in mind, both Manning and the theatre felt a responsibility to examine all possible options for its next artistic director, to ensure the best fit not just for the present but also for the long term.Seattle Rep worked with nationally renowned firm Management Consultants for the Arts to diligently vet 50 potential candidates and five finalists from across the country.

"On behalf of the Search Committee charged with this responsibility, I am extremely pleased at the outcome and confident that we have made a recommendation that is in the very best interests of the Seattle Rep," said Hal Strong, co-chair of the Committee.

His co-chair Brent Johnson added, "Our process that began last fall was comprehensive and competitive with qualified national candidates, providing strong assurance that Jerry was the best candidate to serve as Seattle Rep's leading artist."

Seattle Rep's Board of Trustees offered Manning a five-year contract.

Aside from his success in season programming (as evident in the theatre's critical and commercial accomplishments of late), Manning is a skilled producer, director and champion for new work. He re-instated the theatre's New Play Program, and in the last year he brought to Seattle Rep first readings of plays such as Laramie Project: 10 Years Later and Alan Alda'sRadiance and the world premiere productions of An Iliad and Equivocation.

With a strong commitment to supporting local artists, Manning has spearheaded Seattle Rep casting efforts during his tenure. He also directedboom and Thom Pain (based on nothing) and will direct next season's Of Mice and Men. Other directing credits include work at New Dramatists, New York Theatre Workshop, the Kennedy Center, The Studio Theatre, Source, Adirondack Theatre, Washington Stage Guild and Signature Theatre.

Mr. Manning began his artistic career in 1984 at Arena Stage where he served as dramaturg and casting director. He then joined New York Theatre Workshop for seven seasons, where he was alternately casting director and resident dramaturg for dozens of world-premiere works, notably Rent andQuills.

"Seattle Rep has been my artistic home for ten years," Manning said. "I am deeply honored to take the helm, and I'm glad to do it knowing that the theatre took this decision very seriously. After such an extensive search process, I am proud and humbled to accept the position."

Seattle Rep formed multiple advisory committees comprised of staff, board members, community leaders, and local artists. The final candidate recommendation was made by a designated Artistic Director Search Committee comprised of board members and local arts leaders.