So it's Jim Petosa at the New Rep . . .

The announcement came in yesterday, but I didn't open it till this morning.  Jim Petosa of BU, who helmed the New Rep's recent success Three Viewings, and also directed Opus there, has been named the theatre's new Artistic Director.  I don't have time this morning to think this through (I've got laundry to do, then Wagner), although my reaction is generally positive.  The press release follows:

NEW REPERTORY THEATER NAMES
NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JIM PETOSA

[WATERTOWN, MA, February 8, 2012] – Today, New Repertory Theatre names Jim Petosa, nationally-known, award-winning theatre artist, educator, and leader as its new Artistic Director.

After a nation-wide search, New Rep Board Chair Daniel Newton says, “I am excited that New Rep is bringing on board such an eminently qualified, visionary leader as Jim Petosa for this critical role. As a guest director at New Rep, Jim has been involved with our artistic family for years. I am confident he will ensure the continued production of the highest quality theatre our audiences have come to expect.” 

Petosa served as Artistic Director of Olney Theatre Center outside of Washington D.C. (Montgomery County, MD) since 1994. High notes of his tenure include expanding the company from a summer theatre to year-round; growing the company into a theater-center campus, including a new theatre lab and amphitheatre; and earning many local, regional, and national awards for the institution and his directing, including the Helen Hayes Award. He will finish out Olney’s 2012 Season.

Additionally, Petosa will continue to serve as Director of the School of Theatre, College of Fine Arts, at Boston University, a position he has held since 2002. In this role, he also established the Boston Center for American Performance, the professional production extension of BU’s School of Theatre.

While Petosa’s New Rep appointment officially begins August 1, he says, “I’ll become involved immediately in the remainder of New Rep’s current season, as well as plans for the 2012-2013 upcoming season. Every day is an opportunity to share ideas and build relationships.”

Petosa plans to encourage “an era of collaboration that strengthens New Rep. He says, “It’s an exciting time for regional theatre in our country. We need to examine current models and make them relevant for the future. I have an incessant belief in the power and possibility of the theatre, and a deep desire to foster dialogues of discovery that continue advocating for its relevance and meaning.”

“Having directed three productions in three years at New Rep,” he continues, “I came to understand the organization’s commitment to quality, intelligence, and revealing human truths through thoughtful story-telling.” Petosa most recently directed Three Viewings this season, called “compelling” by The Boston Globe.

“I am truly looking forward to partnering with Jim,” says Managing Director Harriet Sheets. “Since his directorial debut ofOpus with us in 2010, he has proven to be an effective team-player. With Jim, I expect to develop an inviting creative home for our artists.”

New Rep plans to celebrate the announcement of its 2012-2013 season next month at its Premiere Party, where patrons may personally meet Petosa.