Susan Marie Rhea named Keegan Artistic Director
August 1, 2017: The Keegan Theatre is proud to announce the appointment of two longtime Keegan associates to new leadership positions: Susan Marie Rhea has been named the company’s new Artistic Director and Alexis J. Hartwick has been named the new Director of Education and Administration. Mark A. Rhea, the company’s founder, remains in his current role of Producing Artistic Director.
Both Susan Marie Rhea and Alexis Hartwick are long-time Keegan company members and have been driving forces behind Keegan’s growth in the past several years. The new appointments seek to leverage their considerable talents to support The Keegan Theatre’s continued growth in the coming years.
As Associate Artistic Director for the past 10 years, Susan Marie Rhea has offered tireless advocacy for the Keegan brand, invaluable leadership in company operations, and expertise in developing and evolving Keegan’s artistic and business strategies. As Artistic Director, she will continue to support Keegan’s operations while leading Keegan’s artistic growth and development efforts, working to honor and elevate Keegan’s mission and award-winning artistic standards. “This title change has been a long time coming,” says Mark A. Rhea. “I’m thrilled that Susan is assuming this role officially at last, and Keegan is going to benefit greatly from the quality of her vision and leadership in this senior position.”
Alexis J. Hartwick, previously Keegan’s Education Outreach Coordinator and Business Assistant, has earned her new title of Director of Education and Administration through her sustained support for company operations and her work to create and launch the newest arm of the Keegan brand, Keegan PLAY-RAH-KA, a unique brand which offers theatrical experiences for families and creative exploration for emerging artists. Hartwick’s continued support and leadership will enable Keegan to realize greater operational efficiency and help Keegan PLAY-RAH-KA build on early successes.
Whitney Donaldson, Keegan’s Executive Chair, adds: “These two women are elevating Keegan Theatre’s work every day and the Board of Directors is thrilled to have them step into these new leadership roles. We are excited to see what lies ahead for Keegan — for our theater company, our artistic and administrative staff, and most of all, for our audiences — in the year ahead.”
To learn more about The Keegan Theatre and view the Board of Directors, Leadership and Staff team, and full Company, visit www.keegantheatre.com.
