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The Public Theater NamesFirst Master Writer ChairNew York’s Public Theater has announced that ithas received a substantial three-year grant from theAndrew W. Mellon Foundation to launch the first PublicTheater Master Writer Chair position. Suzan-Lori Parkshas been awarded the chair that will include a VisitingArts Professor appointment at NYU’s Tisch School of theArts, Rita and Burton Goldberg Department of DramaticWriting, effective Nov. 1. The new residency is a componentof the Public Writers Initiative.Inspired by the university model, the full-salaried positionaffords writers the flexibility and freedom to pursuetheir artistic goals and endeavors. Master Writers willreceive full artistic and administrative support, the chanceto develop their work with the full resources of The PublicTheatre and participate in the artistic life of the theatre.“Suzan-Lori Parks is one of our greatest artists, andthis chair will allow her the freedom to follow her uniquevision wherever it might lead her. We at the Public arehonored to have her as part of our family,” said PublicTheater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis. “I hope the MellonFoundation’s astonishing support will inspire theatresand philanthropists across the country to establish chairsto keep our best playwrights in the theatre where theybelong.”Shakespeare Theatre CompanyAppoints Managing DirectorShakespeare Theatre CompanyArtistic Director Michael Kahnhas announced that the Boardof Trustees has appointed ChrisJennings to the position of managingdirector. Jennings hasserved as general manager for thecompany since 2004.During his tenure, Jennings hasoverseen the finance, productionand marketing operations for STCand helped manage the company’sbudget expansion from $12 to$19 million. As managing director,Chris JenningsJennings will be responsible for the overall business andexternal affairs of STC, including building partnerships withthe many Washington-based performing arts companieswho perform at the Harman Center for the Arts venues.Jennings currently serves on the Board of theDC Downtown BID and the Pennsylvania QuarterNeighborhood Association and is a member ofthe League of Resident Theatres and the TheatreCommunications Group.changing roleswww.stage-directions.com • December 2008 13