Press Releases
Seattle Public Theater Names New Producing Artistic Director, Amy Poisson
April, 5, 2023
Seattle, WA - Seattle Public Theater is thrilled to announce Amy Poisson as the new Producing Artistic Director, effective May 5, 2023.
“Amy’s extraordinary energy and commitment to this theater and its mission was the driving force in our decision. I am confident she will be a great leader, artist and visionary for Seattle Public Theater from day one,” says Tim Ford, Board President, Seattle Public Theater, “We have learned during the hiring process that Amy cares deeply about the people she works with and we know that the staff and artists who make Seattle Public Theater are in good hands.”
“The Board of Directors for Seattle Public Theater is happy to welcome Amy Poisson into the role of Producing Artistic Director” says Arlando Smith, board member at Seattle Public Theater, “After a thorough search consisting of members from the board and staff of SPT, we are confident Amy's expertise and passion will serve not only SPT but the community as a whole.”
Amy Poisson is a local director, producer and new play developer known for fostering new work by local women writers. Amy has been working in the Seattle theater community for more than 25 years. “Having a larger platform to support feminist work is a gift,” says Poisson, “ I am thrilled and honored to join the team at the Seattle Public Theater. I look forward to supporting and working with the community in Seattle and around the country.”
Amy has been the Producing Artistic Director at Macha Theatre Works for the past 6 years where she conceived of and developed Macha’s 17 Minute Stories, a Live-Streamed Season during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amy has recently produced and directed The Fifth Wave and Happy, Happy, Happy… by Jenn Ruzumna and Lisa Every. Blood Water Paint, Smoke & Dust, and La Tofana’s Poison Emporium by Joy McCullough. Amy produced, developed and directed Sheathed written by Maggie Lee (2019 Gregory Award winner for Outstanding New Play). Prior to working at Macha, Amy was a freelance Director and worked with several theaters throughout Seattle.
“Macha’s board is thrilled for Amy and we feel honored to have played a role in the artistic development that prepared her for this next step,” says Melissa Hamasaki, Macha Board Executive Committee Member.
Current Artistic Director Annie Lareau is directing the west coast premiere of Hometown Boy written by Keiko Green, opening May 5th, 2023, at Seattle Public Theater. That date will also coincide as Lareau’s final day as Artistic Director. Annie has dedicated the past 30 years to her artistic career performing, producing and directing. For the past 8 years, Annie has cemented SPT as a center of artistic excellence that balances empathy and social justice with risk and experimentation, even through the uncertainty of a global pandemic.
“It is very bittersweet for me to step away from Seattle Public Theater. But due to personal health concerns, it’s time.” said Lareau. “I am confident Amy will take great care of the progress we have made as a board and staff, and continue to build that momentum to grow the theater in new and exciting ways.”
For more than three decades, actors, directors, and audiences with a passion for exceptional theater have found a home at Seattle Public Theater. On the shores of Green Lake in the historic Bathhouse Theater, Seattle Public Theater is one of Seattle’s leading mid-sized professional theater companies. Established as a 501(c)(3), Seattle Public Theater strives to create an inclusive community that actively engages with ideas and people. Find us and follow on social media at @seattlepublictheater to stay up to date on Seattle Public Theater’s exciting shows and initiatives.
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