Contact: Shirley Howard-Johnson
Shirley@lhtsf.org / 415 345-3980
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 5, 2011 San Francisco, CA — The Board of Directors of Lorraine Hansberry Theatre (LHT) are pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Anthony Jones as Artistic Director. Mr. Jones will fill the position left vacant after the death of LHT co-founder, Stanley E. Williams, in July of last year. Jones will officially start on March 1, 2011, although he is already working on plans for LHT’s 2011- 2012 season.
Mr. Jones received his early theatre training at Karamu House in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Most recently, he was a member of the Core Acting Company at American Conservatory Theatre (A.C.T.), where he has acted, directed and taught for 22 years.
He is a graduate of Yankton College in South Dakota and has worked in different capacities with the Cleveland Playhouse, Negro Ensemble Company in New York City, Berkeley Rep, San Jose Rep, and San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, among others.
“We are very excited to welcome Steven into the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre family,” said LHT Board President, Albert Dixon. “His vision and commitment to excellence make him an excellent fit. With him at the helm, LHT will be able to build on the firm foundation laid by our late co-founders, Stanley and Quentin.”
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre General Manager, Shirley Howard-Johnson said “Steven Anthony Jones has the vision and talent to guide the company through the coming years. He will be instrumental in identifying and acquiring a new theatre home. He has many new ideas, and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity,” said incoming Artistic Director, Steven Anthony Jones. “I know Lorraine Hansberry Theatre is known for its integrity and the quality of its productions. Expect that to continue, while we expand and grow.”
SEW Productions Lorraine Hansberry Theatre was founded in 1981 by Stanley E. Williams, Artistic Director, and Quentin Easter, Executive Director. They led the organization through 29 seasons. On April 28, 2010, Easter passed away, followed closely by Williams’s passing on July 2, 2010. In 2008, the company was forced to vacate its longtime venue at 620 Sutter Street, and has been renting performance spaces ever since.
LHT just completed a successful holiday production of Joyful Noise, presented at Fort Mason Center’s Southside Theatre. LHT’s current season will continue March 3–27, 2011, at Fort Mason Center’s Southside Theatre, with Lynn Nottage’s Obie Award-winning Fabulation; or The Re-Education of Undine, directed by Ellen Sebastian Chang, and featuring Margo Hall. Tickets go on sale later this month. Call 415 345-3980 for more information or visit www.LHTSF.org.
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