SART switch-up: Mars Hill theater names new artistic co-directors

MARS HILL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A artistic vision is coming to the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre. The SART Board of Directors has named Janice Schreiber and Richard Seagle as Managing Artistic Co-Directors, effective immediately.

In their new roles, the duo will facilitate programming, production schedules and community collaborations for the theater, which will soon see its 52nd season of shows.

Meet Schreiber and Seagle

Schreiber and Seagle have long resumes in North Carolina theatre, including at SART.

“Janice and Richard have each demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership throughout their many years with SART,” said Dan Lunsford, chair of the SART Board of Directors, in a press release. “Their partnership as Co-Directors ensures the continued artistic excellence and stability of our organization.”

SART provided bios for Schreiber and Seagle:

“Janice Vertucci Schreiber has built an extensive career as an actor, director, and educator whose credits span regional and national stages. Her acclaimed performances include roles such as Sister Robert Anne in Nuncrackers, Yente and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, and Mama Rose in Gypsy. Schreiber has appeared with Circa’21 Dinner Playhouse, Jenny Wiley Theatre, East Carolina University’s Loessin Playhouse, and Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, among others. In addition to her professional credits, she has directed and taught theatre throughout Eastern North Carolina, mentoring generations of emerging artists.

“Richard Seagle, a longtime designer, technical director, and technical theatre educator, has served Mars Hill University and SART for more than two decades. His design and technical direction credits include more than 50 productions, such as The Light in the Piazza, Harvey, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, The Laramie Project, and Cinderella. He has taught courses in theatrical design, lighting, stagecraft, and theatre history at Mars Hill University, He was inducted into the Catawba College Theatre Blue Masque Hall of Fame in 2015. His blend of technical artistry and educational leadership has made him a cornerstone of both SART and Mars Hill’s theatre program.”

For more information, visit www.sartplays.com.