Shakespeare Theatre Company 2009|2010 Annual Report Dear Friend, I Am So Proud of What the Shakespeare Theatre Company Was Able to Accomplish in the 2009-2010 Season
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ShakeSpeare TheaTre Company 2009|2010 annual report Dear Friend, I am so proud of what the Shakespeare Theatre Company was able to accomplish in the 2009-2010 season. This year, STC embarked on one of the most artistically ambitious seasons in our history. We undertook some of the most challenging works of classic theatre in the newest and most innovative ways and engaged a number of extraordinarily talented artists to help us on that journey. Two powerhouse events marked the beginning of this season. We welcomed the Free For All into the Harman Center for the Arts for the first time. This new home for one of Washington’s most beloved events brought increased access to our free Shakespeare. Immediately following the Free For All we hosted the National Theatre of London’s production of Phèdre. This piece, directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Dame Helen Mirren, sold out in record time. It was electrifying to bring such a talented group of artists and such a remarkable production to the Washington, D.C., community. My production of The Alchemist kicked off the season in the Lansburgh. Next, Maria Aitken took us on a whirlwind tour of American history, as seen through cinema, in her extremely imaginative production of As You Like It. My production of Richard II and David Muse’s Henry V followed in repertory for two months, with both shows boasting brilliant performances by Michael Hayden. The Liar was a new adaptation of the Pierre Corneille comedy by celebrated playwright David Ives. I was thrilled to direct a production with the playwright at my side, something that is rare in classical theatre. Finally, Tony Award-winner Elizabeth Ashley joined us, playing the title role in Mrs. Warren’s MK Photo Profession. Her performance wowed critics in the D.C. area and was a delight to watch. The Company also honored great talent this season. Sir Ian McKellen, one of the most renowned Shakespearean actors of our time, was presented with the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre at the third Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala. The gala performance once again welcomed several artists representing multiple artistic disciplines from around the country to help us celebrate. Bringing these distinguished artists to STC throughout the year is what keeps us on the cutting edge of both the classical and American theatre communities. Our designers, performers and directors are leaders in the industry and help us maintain our high level of artistic excellence. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors and the D.C. community. We have read stories from all over the country this season about non-profit theatres and other large arts institutions struggling due to a grim economic climate. Thanks to the combination of extremely strong support from our donors, wonderful leadership from our board and the tireless efforts from our staff, STC pushed through these tough times to continue to create outstanding work while balancing our budget. On behalf of the staff and board at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, I offer my most sincere thanks to those individuals, corporations, foundations and government entities that continue to support us and our mission. Warmly, Michael Kahn Artistic Director photo of michael kahn by kevin allen. 3 Dear Friend, I am so proud of what the Shakespeare Theatre Company was able to accomplish in the 2009-2010 season. This year, STC embarked on one of the most artistically ambitious seasons in our history. We undertook some of the most challenging works of classic theatre in the newest and most innovative ways and engaged a number of extraordinarily talented artists to help us on that journey. Two powerhouse events marked the beginning of this season. We welcomed the Free For All into the Harman Center for the Arts for the first time. This new home for one of Washington’s most beloved events brought increased access to our free Shakespeare. Immediately following the Free For All we hosted the National Theatre of London’s production of Phèdre. This piece, directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Dame Helen Mirren, sold out in record time. It was electrifying to bring such a talented group of artists and such a remarkable production to the Washington, D.C., community. My production of The Alchemist kicked off the season in the Lansburgh. Next, Maria Aitken took us on a whirlwind tour of American history, as seen through cinema, in her extremely imaginative production of As You Like It. My production of Richard II and David Muse’s Henry V followed in repertory for two months, with both shows boasting brilliant performances by Michael Hayden. The Liar was a new adaptation of the Pierre Corneille comedy by celebrated playwright David Ives. I was thrilled to direct a production with the playwright at my side, something that is rare in classical theatre. Finally, Tony Award-winner Elizabeth Ashley joined us, playing the title role in Mrs. Warren’s MK Photo Profession. Her performance wowed critics in the D.C. area and was a delight to watch. The Company also honored great talent this season. Sir Ian McKellen, one of the most renowned Shakespearean actors of our time, was presented with the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre at the third Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala. The gala performance once again welcomed several artists representing multiple artistic disciplines from around the country to help us celebrate. Bringing these distinguished artists to STC throughout the year is what keeps us on the cutting edge of both the classical and American theatre communities. Our designers, performers and directors are leaders in the industry and help us maintain our high level of artistic excellence. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors and the D.C. community. We have read stories from all over the country this season about non-profit theatres and other large arts institutions struggling due to a grim economic climate. Thanks to the combination of extremely strong support from our donors, wonderful leadership from our board and the tireless efforts from our staff, STC pushed through these tough times to continue to create outstanding work while balancing our budget. On behalf of the staff and board at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, I offer my most sincere thanks to those individuals, corporations, foundations and government entities that continue to support us and our mission. Warmly, Michael Kahn Artistic Director photo of michael kahn by kevin allen. 5 Dear Friend, I am so proud of what the Shakespeare Theatre Company was able to accomplish in the 2009-2010 season. This year, STC embarked on one of the most artistically ambitious seasons in our history. We undertook some of the most challenging works of classic theatre in the newest and most innovative ways and engaged a number of extraordinarily talented artists to help us on that journey. Two powerhouse events marked the beginning of this season. We welcomed the Free For All into the Harman Center for the Arts for the first time. This new home for one of Washington’s most beloved events brought increased access to our free Shakespeare. Immediately following the Free For All we hosted the National Theatre of London’s production of Phèdre. This piece, directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Dame Helen Mirren, sold out in record time. It was electrifying to bring such a talented group of artists and such a remarkable production to the Washington, D.C., community. My production of The Alchemist kicked off the season in the Lansburgh. Next, Maria Aitken took us on a whirlwind tour of American history, as seen through cinema, in her extremely imaginative production of As You Like It. My production of Richard II and David Muse’s Henry V followed in repertory for two months, with both shows boasting brilliant performances by Michael Hayden. The Liar was a new adaptation of the Pierre Corneille comedy by celebrated playwright David Ives. I was thrilled to direct a production with the playwright at my side, something that is rare in classical theatre. Finally, Tony Award-winner Elizabeth Ashley joined us, playing the title role in Mrs. Warren’s MK Photo Profession. Her performance wowed critics in the D.C. area and was a delight to watch. The Company also honored great talent this season. Sir Ian McKellen, one of the most renowned Shakespearean actors of our time, was presented with the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre at the third Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala. The gala performance once again welcomed several artists representing multiple artistic disciplines from around the country to help us celebrate. Bringing these distinguished artists to STC throughout the year is what keeps us on the cutting edge of both the classical and American theatre communities. Our designers, performers and directors are leaders in the industry and help us maintain our high level of artistic excellence. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors and the D.C. community. We have read stories from all over the country this season about non-profit theatres and other large arts institutions struggling due to a grim economic climate. Thanks to the combination of extremely strong support from our donors, wonderful leadership from our board and the tireless efforts from our staff, STC pushed through these tough times to continue to create outstanding work while balancing our budget. On behalf of the staff and board at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, I offer my most sincere thanks to those individuals, corporations, foundations and government entities that continue to support us and our mission.