Q. What was your draw to Asolo Rep?

PR: I had worked as a freelance artist at Asolo Rep for a number of years, and to be honest, from the moment I entered into the first rehearsal there with a production of Ragtime, I thought wow, this could be an artistic home for me. I freelance a lot around the country working in theatre, musical theatre, opera, new work development, but nowhere else did I feel this simpatico that I felt from my very first experience working at Asolo Rep. When Michael Donald Edwards decided to to move on, I thought this might be a job that I’d be interested in. I spent my entire career based in Minnesota. And so it was a big move to to leave Theatre Latté Da, a company I founded 25 years ago. To be honest, I can’t think of another organization I would have left for. My experience at Asolo Rep had been artistically fulfilling. I felt simpatico with the community of artists and audiences. It felt like coming home more than it felt like an entirely new venture.

Q. Something surprising about Asolo Rep?

PR: I’m a bit of a history nerd. So, I’ve been fascinated by Asolo Rep’s history. We’re entering our 65th season, and I’ve been immersing myself in learning about the history of the organization. Its long partnership with Florida State University, the original Historic Asolo Theatre, its home in Asolo, Italy, and how all of that transpired. Then the move into our new home, bringing over the beautiful Mertz Theater, which came over from Scotland. I’ve now prioritized that I need to get to Asolo, Italy and I need to get to Scotland to see the original geographical homes of these historic, awesome buildings. It’s long history in Sarasota, and how Sarasota has history with the circus. I’ve always been fascinated and drawn to the circus. I love everything about it – the aesthetics of it, the energy of it, and the fact that we are right up against the Ringling Museum and the grounds of the Ringling Mansion, and that we share the campus. I actually just bought a new home in Sarasota, and it’s on the grounds of what were the summer headquarters of the Barnum Bailey Ringling Circus. That was a big selling point for me. So, I’ve just been so fascinated and needed to dig into the rich history and the singular history of this of this organization.

Q. What can audiences expect to be different in the upcoming season?

PR: In planning the 2023-24 season, Michael Donald Edwards and I worked very closely together. We were in communication daily as we put this season together. So it really is, I think, a true passing of the baton. Both of us have our our fingerprints on this season. Michael had some ideas in place, before I was hired, and then immediately when I came on board, he circled me into the conversation and I brought titles forward. It was very much a collaborative process, along with the rest of the artistic staff. I hope what people see this season is they see an exciting vision for the future. But it also is everything they’ve come to know and love about Asolo Rep, that is the quality of the work that Asolo Rep is creating the world class theatre here in Sarasota. I want that to be the given. I want people to come and say “yes, this is the quality of work that I expect from this organization”, but also enthusiasm for a slightly new vision, for new ideas and new aesthetics. They can rely on the quality, but I’m hopeful that they’ll join us for new and adventurous evenings in the theater.

Q. Parting words?

PR: You know, coming out of the pandemic, and spending so much time alone has only increased my belief in the power of theatre, and people coming together in a room to hear someone’s story other than their own. There’s nothing else like it, and I’m so grateful to spend my life inside the theater. I hope you’ll join me on this journey.

Q: This is your first season at the Asolo Rep following a very successful tenure at Barter Theatre in Virginia. What are you most looking forward to in your tenure at Asolo Rep?

RE: I think I’m most excited about getting to know our new audience. Asolo has a history of bringing the highest quality productions to Sarasota. Sarasota is such an arts and culture driven community, and I’m excited to see what myself and what my partnership with Peter can bring new to this burgeoning arts community that we currently have. And I’m looking to see what my experience in a rural southwest theater in Southwest Virginia could bring to maybe not such a rural area of Florida.

Q: What is a Managing Director?

RE:  I always get asked like, so you direct the shows, right? That’s what people always say to me. And I’m like, no, I’m not. I’m a terrible director! Wherein a managing director essentially handles a lot of the business functions of a theater. So basically a lot of the things that aren’t on stage, whether it be marketing, fundraising, front of house, logistics, backstage facilities, to some extent, a managing director does a little bit of everything on that front.

But it’s also a partnership. I think, with Peter and I, that I do have a voice with what happens on stage. The Managing Director is a pivotal piece in making that happen. I think it’s very easy as an audience to go to a performance and see the actors and assume that that is how the work happens. There are hundreds of people behind the scene, artisans, artists, administrative folks, marketers, fundraising professionals, that allow what you see on stage to happen. I think our audience learning a little more about all those pieces that you might not just directly see on a daily basis is really important and exciting, and lends itself to a deepening relationship with the theater – coming out of understanding

Q: Parting words?

RE: Mostly, what I want to say is you are welcome in this space. We want you to feel great coming to Asolo Rep every single time. We want you to have the best experience you can possibly have. And we want you to tell your friends to come too because if you had a great time, I know they will as well. That’s going to help us as an organization to create the most amazing work that you can possibly see on a stage. What I’d like to say is I want to see you. I want to meet you. I will be here to have a conversation with you and hear what excites you about the work we’re doing. You are welcome no matter who you are, to come to our space and experience the magic that is theatre. When you come, not only are you supporting the artwork, but you’re also in a position to tell people in your immediate vicinity, your friends, your family, your colleagues, your neighbor down the street, to say “Hey, I saw this most amazing thing at Asolo Rep! You need to go see it.” When you do that it welcomes more people in and we build a strong community. It allows us to keep doing this high quality work that I guarantee you will see on our stages for years to come. You are an integral part and making that happen here on a daily basis. So please come. We really appreciate it, and I would love to see you at the theater.

Meanwhile, the theatrical magic doesn’t stop there—Asolo Rep’s remarkable production of Cabaret is hitting the road, with sets and costumes lovingly created at the Sarasota-based Asolo Rep Scenic Studio making their way to the prestigious Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. The Asolo Rep Scenic Studio, boasting a vast 45,000 square foot space, is more than just a facility; it’s a creative powerhouse. This state-of-the-art production hub supports not only Asolo Repertory Theatre but also a multitude of renowned organizations, from Sarasota Opera and Ballet to Broadway and beyond. With a reputation for top-quality work and unwavering professionalism, the Asolo Rep Scenic Studio continues to be a driving force in the world of theatrical artistry, bringing sets and dreams to life.