Welcome to APT

APT's 35th birthday can easily be seen as one of the most important and exciting moments in this theater's history. For just the second time in 35 years, as I linger on my path to retirement in December 2014, the artistic leadership of this magical company is being formally passed on to a new leader: Brenda DeVita. But to call this occasion an exciting moment is deceptive-it is better understood as part of a continuum that has been underway for many years. Brenda has served as APT's Associate Artistic Director for more than a decade and the manifest artistic progress this company has made over the years, particularly since 2005, is very substantially her achievement. Things will, of course, continue to change under a new Artistic Director. They should. They must. But if the changes are less evident than you might expect, there is a simple explanation: they have been taking place gradually over a long time. Brenda's influence has long been invigorating and fundamental, and this beloved company's future will be stronger than ever in her talented and caring hands. And now comes a moment I have long dreaded-ever since I decided that I should step down as APT's Producing Artistic Director once I reached the age of 70. How can I possibly communicate the depth of my gratitude to all of you whose support for APT has meant so much to me over two thrilling decades? My eyes fill. Words fail me. It can't be done. So, inadequate as it may be, this must suffice: The last 23 years have been the most gloriously happy and exciting years I could ever have wished for. I owe my incredible good fortune to those who have shared this extraordinary adventure with me and to those who have faithfully sustained this company through good times and bad. To name names would require more pages than an uncut Hamlet but you know who you are: artists, technicians, staffers, volunteers, donors and board members. We have struggled together, wept together and learned from each other. Together, we have laughed, celebrated and triumphed. It doesn't get any better than that. And now, finally-yes, that was the terrifying word I have been avoiding-I end where it all began: with the audience-a community, really-that called forth this theater in the woods of Wisconsin, in response to a bold idea from its founders, 35 years ago. We routinely tell new actors that APT's most precious possession is an audience we consider the best possible audience that any company could ever dream of performing for. That is a truth that will sustain this company through the ages. I look forward to being a part of that truth for many years to come. -David Frank