Seattle Rep names artistic director

David Esbjornson, an award-winning director and producer, has been appointed artistic director of Seattle Repertory Theatre. He succeeds Sharon Ott, who is stepping down at the end of June.

In recent years, Esbjornson has established a reputation in New York and around the country, directing critically praised productions such as the world premiere of Edward Albee’s “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?” on Broadway and the 2004 off-Broadway revival of Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart.” He also directed the world premiere of Arthur Miller’s “Resurrection Blues” at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and the premiere of Neil Simon’s “Rose and Walsh” at the Geffen Playhouse in L.A.

Esbjornson, 49, spent most of the 1990s as artistic director of New York’s Classic Stage Company.

From Associated Press