KETCHUM, IDAHO: The Sun Valley Center for the Arts has named Scott Palmer the new producing artistic director of Company of Fools (COF). Since 2004 Palmer has served as the founding artistic director of Bag&Baggage Productions in Hillsboro, Ore. At COF Palmer will replace Kent Thompson, who has served in an interim producing director capacity since founding company artist John Glenn died in 2017.
Palmer will work part-time for several months and will begin full-time in March, serving on the executive leadership team and reporting to executive director Christine Davis-Jeffers. In the meantime he will collaborate with COF’s season producer R.L. Rowsey, production manager K.O. Ogilvie, and company manager Kris Olenick to develop the company’s 24th theatre season.
“Scott comes to the Center with a wealth of theatre knowledge from his time with Bag&Baggage,” said Davis-Jeffers in a statement. “One of the things that distinguished Scott as a candidate is that his artistic vision and values are well aligned with those of Company of Fools and the Center. He shared with us that he looks forward to developing the BIG IDEA projects with the group and welcomes the wonderful opportunity to lead Company of Fools. Not only is he a highly talented director and artistic director, Scott also has a great sense of humor. We are lucky to have him join us and lead us in the next chapter of Company of Fools history.”
During his 14-year tenure at Bag&Baggage, Palmer grew the organization from a small touring company to a year-round theatre that presents inventive productions of classic shows. The American Theatre Wing awarded Bag&Baggage Productions with a National Theatre Company award in 2015. Palmer was named to the National Theatre Conference in 2017 in recognition of his work with classical theatre and his commitment to make performing arts accessible.
“I am so honored to have been selected as the next artistic leader of Company of Fools,” said Palmer in a statement. “Company of Fools has a national reputation for excellence, and I am eager to get to work supporting the staff, board and patrons to continue that great legacy of quality with a focus on the community. Already, I have felt welcomed by the people I have met from the Valley, and I can’t wait to start this exciting new position.”
