SEATTLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE APPOINTS KATHRYN VAN METER AS INTERIM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Seattle, Wash.--Seattle Children’s Theatre has announced the appointment of Kathryn Van Meter as interim Artistic Director effective February 24, 2020. Van Meter’s appointment comes shortly after the Theatre announced that Courtney Sale, Artistic Director, will be leaving to assume the Nancy L. Donahue Artistic Director position at The Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) in Lowell, MA.

“As artistic caretaker of SCT, I look forward to shepherding the remainder of this season and the launch of the 2020-2021 season,” said Van Meter. “Building from the colossal legacy of Linda Hartzell and the exceptional achievements of Courtney Sale, it is my tremendous privilege to take up the torch and keep its flame burning bright during this exciting time of transition at SCT.” 

Van Meter, a Seattle artist and resident for 20 years, has served as a Director, Choreographer and Actor at many local venues including 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Shakes, Seattle Opera, ACT, and Village Theatre where she received Gregory Awards for Outstanding Choreographer and People’s Choice for Outstanding Director for the 2019 production of Matilda. Additionally, her work at Seattle Repertory Theatre includes choreographing their 2019 production of As You Like It, part of their public works program.

“On behalf of SCT’s Board of Trustees and staff, we are delighted to welcome Kathryn as part of our team. Her work has had a tremendous impact on the Seattle community and we are excited to have her join as our Artistic Leader during this time,” said Kevin Malgesini, SCT’s Managing Director. “Her Seattle roots, experience as an artist and educator, and dedication to community building will ensure our ability to stay true to our mission, celebrating young people in every decision we make.”

Van Meter’s relationship with SCT stretches back to 2004 where she began as a choreographer for Bunnicula, then later Junie B. Jones, High School Musical, Blue Nose, Neverending Story and Mo Willems Elephant and Piggi’s: We are in a Play!. The 2019-2020 season saw Van Meter’s direction of Corduroy, and her leadership continues as the Director of Above Between Below, part of SCT’s touring Arts Based Learning program, done in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. This summer, Kathryn continues her support of pre-professional theatre education by directing Come From Away, part of The Performance Lab Series.
 
“SCT has been a bastion of light for children and their families for generations. There is limitless capacity for joy, wonder and imagination inside the walls of this building. No matter what age you are, when you step inside SCT, you have permission to return to your younger self and in that space, a softening occurs,” said Van Meter. “I am an artist because I believe in the power of that space. I believe in the transformation that occurs when we witness in diverse community. The staff of SCT, these dedicated artists and artisans, administrators and teachers, work tirelessly to share their beautiful hearts and brilliant minds to make that magic possible.”  

To learn more about SCT’s educational programs and mainstage season, visit us online at sct.org.