Delaware Theatre Company will begin its next 25 years under new artistic leadership. The Wilmington company just started its 25th season with a staging of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, under Syer's direction.
"The Theatre Company's board of directors is seizing the opportunity to launch a search for a new artistic head who will enable the theatre to build upon its high standards of innovation and quality in professional theatre," according to the announcement of Sept. 12.
Syer received her MFA from the University of Delaware Professional Theatre Training Program. She will now pursue teaching opportunities.
"While the Delaware Theatre Company has greatly benefited from the artistic quality and expertise that Fontaine has brought to the mainstage, the board of directors is very excited about the opportunities that will come from this new phase in the theatre's history," said DTC board chairman William Shea, in a statement. "The Theatre Company board appreciates the long lead that Fontaine has given us in announcing her departure. Options for best identifying Delaware Theatre Company's next artistic director are currently being evaluated by theatre's strategic planning committee and several qualified candidates have already come forward."
Syer said in a statement, "Leaving a theatre, especially a theatre where you've come to respect and love your cohorts and colleagues, is never easy. DTC has given me a great deal, and I'm very, very proud of the work we've done onstage, building our audience, and supporting the community through our education department. I will miss the good work, and I'll miss the many people who've become friends in these six years." During her first five seasons, Syer directed 10 productions including Macbeth and Dancing at Lughnasa. Last season, she made her DTC acting debut as Claire in Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance. Syer is slated to direct one more play in the 2003-2004 season: Talley's Folly by Lanford Wilson.
The current season also includes Dracula by Steven Dietz; Two Pianos, Four Hands by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt; Constant Star, written and directed by Tazewell Thompson; Nickel and Dimed by Joan Holden.
For tickets or additional information, call (302) 594-1100 or visit www.delawaretheatre.org.
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Delaware Theatre Company, 200 Water Street, Wilmington, is Delaware's only resident professional theatre company, located on Wilmington's new Riverfront within walking distance from the Amtrak station. Delaware Theatre Company is a member of the League of Resident Theatres, Theatre Communications Group, Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, and the Arts Consortium of Delaware.
