Allan Appel Photo
Andreassi with mentee Mychael Green during rehearsal last summer.
James Andreassi, the guiding spirit behind New Haven’s Elm Shakespeare Company, has decided to retire as artistic director. But he has one more round of free summer performances to stage first.
Andreassi announced his decision in this email message.
Andreassi founded the company 20 years ago. Since then, for many New Haveners, it has become a ritual of late summer, on the cusp of fall, to spread a blanket in Edgerton Park to watch Andreassi & co. do justice under the stars to one of the Bard’s works.
“Margie and I believe it is the right time to move on,” Andreassi wrote. “The development and growth of the company has been our passion, and we are extremely proud to see how it has evolved and matured over the years. The company has expanded from a dream, into a landmark theater company in New Haven, providing exceptional quality free performances each summer in Edgerton Park, and innovative educational programs throughout the year. We are looking forward to this next chapter in our lives together; exploring new opportunities and doing some traveling.”
Before he exits the Elm Shakespeare stage, the company under his direction will perform Twelfth Night in the park from Aug. 20 through Sept. 6. There’s also a 20th birthday cabaret scheduled for April 23, as well as a Sept. 3 gala.
Allan Appel Photo
Andreassi offers sword tips to Co-op thespians
Click here, here and here to sample stories about Andreassi’s work.
It's been an incredible joy to work with Jim, Margie, and Elm Shakespeare for the last seven years. Every spring, they show up to help our Common Ground students dive deep into Shakespeare, and to build the confidence and skill they need to take to the stage. It's so transformative for so, so many of our students. Jim's shared his passion, eloquence, fencing skills, salty expressions, larger-than-life presence, warmth, and time with a huge amount of generosity. Long live Elm Shakespeare!