CEDAR CITY, Utah, May 3, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — David Ivers, Utah Shakespeare Festival artistic director, announced on Wednesday that he will leave his position later this month to accept the role of artistic director at another regional theater.
“I have so many memories and inspiring events associated with the Utah Shakespeare Festival that I’ll remain forever grateful to the artists, staff, and guests that make the Festival what it is,” Ivers, who has held the position since 2011, said in a prepared statement.
“Everything I know about cultural literacy, everything I know about challenges and rising above them, everything I know about incredible work on incredible stages, I learned at the Utah Shakespeare Festival.”
Ivers has not announced the theater he is heading to, but said the new opportunity is a good fit for him and his family.
“This new position is a thrilling professional opportunity, and it dovetails with the needs of my family,” he said. “I am eager to embark on this next adventure, even as I say goodbye to this amazing theater and company of gifted and dedicated artists and staff.”
Ivers will help to welcome the 2017 company to Cedar City this week, then leave on May 16. He will return to Cedar City to direct the world premiere production of “How to Fight Loneliness,” which opens in August.
“David has significantly influenced the development, growth and progress of the Festival as an actor, artistic director and innovator,” said Festival Board President Jeffery R. Nelson. “We will always be grateful for his energy, passion, and many contributions; and we wish him and his family nothing but success in his new role.”
Ivers has acted and directed at the Festival since 1992. He was hired as co-artistic director along with Brian Vaughn in January of 2011. Festival Founder Fred C. Adams has worked with Ivers through all that time.
“David has been a much-loved talent here at the Utah Shakespeare Festival,” Adams said. “Under his co-leadership with Brian Vaughn, the festival has accomplished remarkable things.”
“I will cherish our shared artistic learning and growth,” Vaughn said. “He is a dear friend and will be greatly missed.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Festival’s 56th season, which will run from June 29 to Oct. 21. For more information and tickets, visit bard.org or call 1-800-PLAYTIX.
