RICHMOND, VA.: Virgina Repertory Theatre has named Nathaniel Shaw as its new artistic director. Shaw will begin working with Virgina Rep on July 1 from New York, and in October, he and his family will relocate to Virginia, where he will work with managing director Phil Whiteway. Shaw succeeds founding artistic director Bruce Miller, who will transition into the role of founding producer and will focus on education and fundraising at the theatre.

“We are delighted to welcome Nathaniel to Virginia Rep,” said board member Don Garber in a statement. “He impressed the board committee with his broad experience as a director, actor, dancer, and choreographer, and with his energy and respect for what Bruce and Phil have accomplished. We think he is the right person to build on their legacy.”

Shaw received a B.A. in musical theatre from the University of Northern Colorado, and began his career as a professional dancer in New York City. He founded the Active Theater in New York City in 2006, where he served as the artistic director for six years and directed the world premieres of Body Language and Bridgeboy, among others. He was the associate choreographer for both the Broadway production and the first national tour of Once. Currently, he is the development director for the production company Glass Half Full, which produced Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and Twelfth Night and Richard III starring Mark Rylance. His acting credits include starring opposite of Kelli O’Hara in Oklahoma! as Will Parker at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Shaw directed Peter and the Starcatcher last year at Virginia Rep.

“I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful staff and devoted board of Virginia Rep, and the passionate and talented Richmond theatre community,” said Shaw in a statement. “My wife and I are extremely excited about raising our family in the vibrant city of Richmond. I cannot wait to start this wild and wonderful ride.”