In theatre, it’s all in the timing. It’s important to know when to make a gracious exit, when to make space for new ideas and new leadership. And after much thought, I know the time is right now for me to step back into the wings. The People’s Shakespeare Project is in good health, made it through COVID without skipping too many beats, and is ready to take a leap to the next level!

Julia Caesar marks the end of my tenure as executive artistic director of The People’s Shakespeare Project. For fifteen wonderful years I have guided the company I founded. I am amazed when I look back to where we started, on a make-shift stage outside Leffler Chapel on
Elizabethtown College’s campus, and think of where we are now, occupying a true place in Lancaster’s vibrant arts scene with exciting productions, solid educational outreach opportunities, and a large student, alumni and donor base.

So many theatre students talk about creating their own theatre one day. Oh so long ago, I was one of those students. Strangely enough it wasn’t until a few months ago that I thought: Oh! I did that!

I know you will welcome and support our new executive artistic director, Jeremiah Miller. I am thrilled that he accepted this position. I first acted with Jeremiah at The Fulton Theatre in To Kill A Mockingbird when he was only fourteen years old, and eventually I directed him as Hamlet! He is an extraordinarily talented actor, playwright and director. He has much to offer and will ably lead The People’s Shakespeare Project into its next act.

I have collaborated with so many wonderful actors and theatre professionals, so many dedicated board members and so many students and supportive audience members. These relationships have warmed my heart for fifteen years and I am excited about the connections the future holds for TPSP!

Thank you so much for being a part of this extraordinary journey with me. You all are forever in my heart.

Laura

Laura Korach Howell is an Equity actress, a roster artist with The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and a seasoned theatre teacher and director. She received her training at Circle-in-the-Square Theatre (NYC), The Actor’s Center (NYC) and Shakespeare & Co. (Lenox, MA). She has directed professionally and taught students of all ages for over thirty years.