John DiAntonio to Depart Creede Repertory Theatre
He will take over as the new artistic director of Utah Shakespeare Festival this fall.
Creede, Colorado (September 6, 2023) – Creede Repertory Theatre’s (Creede Rep) board of directors announced today the departure of their longtime producing artistic director, John DiAntonio. The 13 year veteran of Creede Rep is leaving to take over as artistic director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival in November. In his decade plus tenure with the company, DiAntonio has solidified Creede Repertory Theatre as a regional powerhouse with his visionary leadership and passion for the craft.
An actor, director, and playwright, DiAntonio began as a member of Creede Rep’s acting company in 2011. He was integral in the creation of the Headwaters New Play Festival in 2012 and became the associate artistic director in 2015. Creede Rep workshopped and produced his plays Harry the Great and Kind of Red for the Mainstage Theatre as well as numerous plays for The KID Show program and Young Audience Outreach Tours including Reading and Other Superpowers, Math-stronaut, and Viva Agua. DiAntonio moved into the position of executive director in 2017 and in 2019, was named producing artistic director.
Bob Johns, President of the Board of Trustees, notes that “DiAntonio led Creede Rep through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic including the cancellation and restructure of the 2020 season, an entirely outdoor season in 2021, and the return to the indoors in 2022. Under his leadership, Creede Rep saw a 100% audience return in 2023. He will leave a legacy and a lasting impact on the direction of Creede Repertory Theatre going forward.”
“There are no words to adequately express what Creede Repertory Theatre and the town of Creede mean to me and my wife, Caitlin (actor Caitlin Wise),” says DiAntonio. “This place will forever be a part of my heart and soul. CRT welcomed us with open arms from the beginning, presenting endless opportunities and exciting challenges, that made me the artist and man I am today. The theatre has never been stronger thanks to the loyalty of our community; thank you for all the love and support you have given us over the last thirteen years.”
Kate Berry has been appointed interim artistic director. Berry, currently the marketing director, has an 18-year history with Creede Rep, first as a member of the acting company and later as associate artistic director from 2018-2022. She will partner with managing director Morgan Manfredi to assure a smooth transition at the remote, mountain theatre. DiAntonio says, “I have had the honor of working closely with Morgan and Kate for years. They care deeply about this theatre and community, and have earned an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges of repertory theatre in a remote location. They are more than ready for the exciting challenge ahead – the future is in good hands. I thank them, and the entire staff, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice to make this theatre better every single day.”
CRT will launch a national search for an artistic director in the coming weeks. In the meantime, DiAntonio will wrap up a successful 58th Season on September 16 and remain in Creede through the end of October. Berry will begin her interim artistic director role at the close of the current season. This winter, Creede Rep will produce another celebratory holiday show with Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, opening November 24.
About Creede Repertory Theatre
Founded in 1966, Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) is a professional theatre company located at 9,000 feet of elevation in the historic town of Creede, CO, which offers beautiful mountain views, hiking trails and stunning campsites in a county comprising 97 percent public land. From its Rocky Mountain roots, CRT serves as an artistic home to our rural community and beyond, through the creation of repertory seasons, dynamic educational programs and compelling new works. With deeply rooted values in equity, diversity and inclusion, CRT is committed to being a haven for artistic excellence, belonging, and intrinsic joy.