PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) has named Paige Price its producing artistic director. She will begin her new role in April, and will succeed executive producing director Sara Garonzik, who steps down after 35 years at the helm to pursue consulting and independent producing projects.
“Paige comes to us highly recommended by artists and art leaders across the country, and she brings a clear vision to build on the exceptional reputation that the Philadelphia Theatre Company has enjoyed under Sara’s leadership,” said board chair E. Gerald Riesenbach in a statement.
Price most recently served as executive artistic director at Theatre Aspen in Aspen, Colo., where she increased revenue by 127 percent, instituted a professional apprentice program, and created the Aspen Theatre Festival. Prior to her time in Aspen, Price worked as an actor on and Off Broadway and in television and film. She also has experience as a producer and director. She currently serves as vice president of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and is on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. She will step down from her role as vice president of Actors’ Equity Association when she begins her role at PTC. She attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
“I am very excited to be joining the Philadelphia Theatre Company,” said Price in a statement. “I see Philadelphia as a hotbed of opportunity for generating really important work in such a culturally rich city, and I am eager to dive into the theatre community with its wealth of talented actors and artists. I am fortunate to inherit the excellent reputation that Sara has grown for the PTC and will put my knowledge, vision, creativity, and connections to work in continuing to position PTC as a preeminent regional theatre in America.”
“I am truly delighted about Paige Price and what she brings to the table,” said Garonzik in a statement. “I think she will be an excellent fit for Philadelphia Theatre Company and feel quite confident about her abilities to lead the company into an exciting future.”
On Price’s departure from Equity, Equity president Kate Shindle issued a statement saying, “Paige has dedicated nearly two decades to serving this union, and has worked tirelessly on behalf of our members across the country in positions ranging from committee member to acting president. We are excited about her new gig, but also sorry to lose her. Equity can fill the leadership positions that she has held here, but it will be impossible to replace Paige Price.”
Theatre Aspen will begin a search for a new executive artistic director in the summer.
“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Paige, not only as a creative, hardworking, brilliant artist and executive, but also as a friend,” said Theatre Aspen board president Kimberly Schlosser in a statement. “Paige has been instrumental in transforming our organization from a small-town summer theatre to a nationally recognized one. Her vision and commitment have brought Theatre Aspen to new levels and we look forward to building on this foundation. We are very proud of Paige and wish her the absolute best in her new role.”
