People’s Light Theatre Company Announces Expansion of Its Artist Roster Ahead of 50th Anniversary

People's LightPhoto by Bryan Sheffield

MALVERN, PA — People’s Light, a Chester County-based theatre company, is preparing for its 50th anniversary season in 2024-25 with the announcement of ten new members joining its newly-named Company of Artists. This expansion not only diversifies the core group but also reinforces the theatre’s commitment to fostering long-term creative relationships between individuals and the institution.

The newly inducted members represent a diverse group of accomplished actors, directors, designers, and theatre-makers from across the United States. New inductees include Sound Designer Curtis Craig, F. Otto Haas Award-winning actor Akeem Davis, actor, director, and playwright Sanjit De Silva, award-winning director Bill Fennelly, Barrymore Award-winning actor and composer Liz Filios, actor, singer, musician, and writer David M. Lutken, actor and creator Patrice D. McClain, Barrymore and F. Otto Haas Award-winning actor Ian Merrill Peakes, actor and author Eric Robinson Jr., and longtime People’s Light Stage Manager Deborah Teller.

These ten new members join an existing company of 43 nationally-recognized theatre artists, including director Abigail Adams, playwright and director Steve H. Broadnax III, Barrymore Award-winning actor Melanye Finister, actor Mary Elizabeth Scallen, actor Marcia Saunders, actor, playwright, and director Peter DeLaurier, and Weston Award-winning actor Aubie Merrylees.

Zak Berkman, Producing Artistic Director at People’s Light, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion saying, “We are thrilled to deepen our connection with these inspiring theatre-makers and to include them among our Company of Artists. This diverse community of creative collaborators are a core part of our identity, and they continue to elevate what we put on our stages, bring to our classrooms, and share in communal spaces throughout our region.”

People’s Light, which began as a cooperative venture by a small group of multi-talented artists in 1973, has remained committed to developing and deepening long-term, multifaceted relationships with its resident artists over the past two decades. The Company of Artists, an integral component of this effort since the theatre’s founding, has been responsible for the growth and identity of the organization through their contributions on stage, in classrooms, and within the community.

The theatre’s commitment to shared values, mutual mentorship, and working with young people continues to shape its identity as it prepares for its milestone anniversary. With this latest expansion, People’s Light is set to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation in the theatre industry.

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