Melia Bensussen has been named the next Artistic Director of the Tony Award-winning theatre. She will assume the role in June.
Ms. Bensussen will be the sixth artistic director, as well as the first woman, to lead the theatre in its 55-year history. She succeeds Darko Tresnjak, who has served as Artistic Director since 2011 and will depart Hartford Stage at the close of the 2018-19 season, Michael Wilson (1998-2011), Mark Lamos (1981-1998), Paul Weidner (1968-1981), and Jacques Cartier (1963-1968).
In addition to her highly-regarded work, Hartford Stage leaders were impressed by Bensussen’s passion for reinterpreting classics and directing new plays, her broad and extensive experience at regional theatres across the country, her well-honed skill set as an artistic administrator in academia, and her commitment to advancing the theatre’s community engagement initiatives and education programs.
Melia Bensussen’s appointment as Hartford Stage Artistic Director comes after a competitive, 10-month nationwide search.
“Melia is accomplished, talented and well-recognized in the theatre world. I am thrilled that she will be joining Hartford Stage, and I have full confidence she will continue to build on the theatre’s history of artistic excellence and acclaim,” Jimenez said.
Walter Harrison, President Emeritus of the University of Hartford and a past Hartford Stage board president, chaired the Search Committee. The Search Committee, comprised of 11 Hartford Stage board members, was tasked with identifying an artistic director from a pool of over 85 potential candidates who would continue to embrace Hartford Stage’s mission and act as an artistic and organizational leader throughout the local, state, national and international theatre community. Thomas Hall and Christine O’Connor of AlbertHall&Associates LLC assisted with the national search. Read More…
