News

Playhouse names Lisa Bryant as artistic director

By Bill Moss, Published: October 20, 2014

FLAT ROCK — Lisa K. Bryant has been named named the fulltime artistic director of Flat Rock Playhouse, the Playhouse Board of Trustees announced on Monday. Bryant has served as the Playhouse's Acting Artistic Director since May and was Associate Artistic Director starting in 2012.

Bryant brings a long history of artistic excellence, leadership and collaboration to her new role. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, My Fair Lady, Cats, Once On This Island and RENT are just a few of the shows Bryant has directed as Flat Rock Playhouse Associate and Acting Artistic Director. Each has received rave reviews from both longtime patrons and critics alike and delivered solid box office results.

"Lisa is admired by several generations of Vagabonds for her artistic vision, her management skills, her passion for the YouTheatre program, and her respect for everyone who works on The Rock," Playhouse President Cliff Stalter said in a news release. "She is the right person to lead Flat Rock Playhouse artistry into the future.

"Since becoming Acting Artistic Director in May, Lisa has demonstrated every attribute we are looking for in our new Artistic Director," he continued. "It became clear that we do not need to conduct a national search. We have the best candidate right here. The public's response to both the shows she has directed and the season she has put together for 2015 confirms for us that she has a natural feel for the type of theater our community wants to support."

"I love Flat Rock Playhouse and am thrilled to be its next Artistic Director," Bryant said in a statement. "I am a product of the incredible artists and stewards who preceded me, and I hope that each day ahead is a positive and meaningful testament to their influence and legacy."

"I am deeply grateful to the staff and board for their continued support," Bryant commented. "It is a great blessing to be surrounded by such diverse talent and creativity. I look forward to helping lead Flat Rock Playhouse to the next level of excellence as we evolve to meet the interests of our community and the rapidly changing entertainment marketplace."

Bryant began her career with Flat Rock Playhouse as an Apprentice in 1994. Since then she has played a myriad of roles including intern, actor, teacher, writer, Apprentice director, Associate Artistic Director, and most recently Acting Artistic Director.

Over the years Bryant has developed broad experience in a variety of places. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Elon University and her MFA in Performance from the University of Central Florida. The majority of her career has been as an actress. Leading roles at FRP include Hairspray, South Pacific, 42nd Street, and And Then There Were None to name just a few. She starred in the short film Miss Julianne which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and earned her numerous acting accolades. Additionally, she starred in the indie film The Karaoke King.

From 2006-2010, Bryant served as the lead acting teacher for the Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre and as Co-Apprentice director. During this time Bryant began her directing endeavors with her self-written play Princess Reform School. She went on to direct RENT, School House Rock Live!, and Once On This Island. She was also privileged to teach for three years locally at North Henderson High School. She grew student participation in the program by 500% and enjoyed unprecedented sold-out performances of productions ranging from The Crucible to The Wizard of Oz.

"There is nothing better for an organization than to have a person from within who stands out so clearly that you realize that there is no need to search further than your own backyard," concluded Stalter. "Lisa is that person. The Board and staff look forward to her leadership and artistic excellence in the years ahead. "

Flat Rock Playhouse also recently initiated a national search for a new managing director who will partner with the Artistic Director in leading the institution. The board will provide updates on the progress of this search as it progresses.