PALO ALTO, CALIF.: TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has named Tim Bond its new artistic director. He is taking over for Robert Kelley, who will step down from the company in June 2020 after 50 years leading the company. Bond starts his new job in March 2020.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue Robert Kelley’s great work, and to lead this spirited company into its next exciting phase,” said Bond in a statement. Bond is currently the head of the actor training program at the University of Washington’s School of Drama. He was previously the artistic director of Syracuse Stage. Prior to that, he was associate artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where he created the FAIR program to train theatre workers from underrepresented backgrounds. He was also friends with the late August Wilson, having directed seven of the 10 plays in Wilson’s Century Cycle.

TheatreWorks presents eight shows per year, and it has something of a track record for incubating of new musicals. The Tony-winning Memphis premiered at the theatre. In 2017, the company presented The Prince of Egypt, which will play on the West End in February. Its also the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for regional theatre.

“I don’t think the company could have made a better choice,” said Kelley in a statement. “A highly respected, nationally known director, Tim also has the personal qualities and values we have always treasured at TheatreWorks. His past leadership roles make him a perfect match for us and for our community. I am thrilled that TheatreWorks is in such great hands, and confident that Tim will lead the company boldly into its next half-century.”