Seattle theatre companies, ACT Contemporary Theatre (ACT) and Seattle Shakespeare Company (SSC), have announced the approval and next steps of their historic merger with an effective date of July 1. This strategic union positions 700 Union Street (ACT’s current home) to become the preeminent home for Shakespeare, classic and contemporary plays and theater education in the Pacific Northwest. The joining of resources and opportunities ensures the newly merged entity is positioned to expand its artistic reach, enhance community collaboration and move forward with greater strength and resilience.
This landmark decision, approved by both companies’ boards of trustees, comes after an extensive deliberation and planning process led by merger consultants JLS and Associates. This process included incorporating valuable input throughout from staff, donors, community members andworking committees. Under the terms of the agreement, the two organizations will merge under the legal name of “Union Arts Center.” The merged organization, whose public-facing name will be determined at a later date, will present plays and programs representing both the ACT Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare artistic brands.
Current SSC Executive Director John Bradshaw will join as managing director of the merged company. An initial board of trustees comprising seven members of each organization’s current board in collaboration with Bradshaw and ACT Interim Producing Artistic Director Elisabeth Farwell-Moreland, will continue to meet and engage with stakeholders as they deepen their planning for the combined culture of the new organization. In the coming months, the new board will be tasked with creating the mission, vision, and values statements, creating a staff structure, finalizing a board executive structure and beginning the nationwide search for an artistic director.
“Seattle Shakespeare Company is thrilled to engage in this dynamic collaboration with ACT Contemporary Theatre,” Ariel Rosemond, Seattle Shakespeare Company Board President, said. “The boards and staffs of both organizations have dedicated themselves to thoughtfully shaping this partnership, ensuring that our core values, missions, and shared commitment to artistic excellence will not only be preserved, but strengthened. We are excited to build on this extraordinary foundation, working alongside some of the most talented artists and storytellers in our region, in the iconic and historic spaces within 700 Union Street.”
“We are honored and inspired to embark upon this future with Seattle's most prestigious classic theatre organization,” said Cynthia Huffman, chair of ACT Contemporary Theatre’s Board of Trustees. “Merging the legacies of these two extraordinary theatres will create more opportunities for artists, maximize usage of the landmark Eagles Auditorium, and ensure quality productions of both classic and contemporary plays at 7th and Union in Seattle for years to come. We are grateful for the deep analysis and thoughtful collaboration of the staff and boards that resulted in the recommendation to merge, and we look forward to the next steps of this exciting venture.”