Laurie Goldstein

Grant Mudge

• 
• 

IF YOU GO

What: Southwest Shakespeare Company

Where: 55 E. Main St., Mesa

More Information: Email info@swshakespeare.org or visit swshakespeare.org

2023-24 SEASON AUDITIONS

-- “Macbeth” at Mesa Arts Center (rehearsals begin Sept 12, runs Oct. 13-29)

-- “A Midsummer Night's Dream” at Mesa Arts Center (rehearsals begin Jan. 9, runs Feb. 9-25)

-- “The School for Lies” at Taliesin West (rehearsals begin April 1, runs April 11-14)

Southwest Shakespeare Company announced two leadership changes.

The board has elected Laurie Goldstein president of the board of directors, and appointed Grant Mudge to the position of executive director beginning with its 2023-24 season, which is the company’s 30th anniversary.

The company hosts main stage performances at Mesa Arts Center, at 1 E. Main St., Mesa; Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West Pavilion Theater, 12345 N. Taliesin Drive, Scottsdale; and the Madison Center for the Performing Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix.

Mudge succeeds Mary Way, who stepped away from the position last year. A winner of the “Star of Broadway” award for her service to ASU Gammage, Goldstein brings 40 years of experience in leadership roles as an engineer for Motorola and NXP Semiconductor. She succeeds Rebecca Driggs of Camelback Hotel Corp. as president of SSC’s board of directors.

“We are so thrilled Grant is taking this leadership position for the company,” Goldstein shared in a statement. “His knowledge of the plays and ability to create programs that connect youth to classical theatre is inspiring.”

Raised in Arizona, Mudge returns to the Valley with a three-decade career in advancing the works of classical theatre and Shakespeare in particular. Mudge has produced, acted in, and directed more than 150 productions, including most of Shakespeare’s plays.

“I am grateful beyond measure to the board, and most especially to the audiences, artists, staff, students, and volunteers,” Mudge stated.

Other productions will be announced in August.