Brooks succeeds J.R. Sullivan, who served as The Pearl's artistic director from 2009-2013. Kate Farrington, The Pearl's resident dramaturg and artistic associate, has been interim artistic director since Sullivan's departure.

"In Hal, The Pearl has found a bold spirit that will bring a fresh perspective to classic theatre," board chair Claudia Oberweger Frank said in a statement. "Hal's considerable talent and accomplishments as a director, as well as his experience as an artistic director, make him an ideal leader for The Pearl, as we embark on our fourth decade. Hal's commitment to both the classics and our Resident Acting Company is matched with a desire to continue The Pearl's evolution into a destination for the classics in New York City."

Brooks has directed The Rivals, The Bald Soprano and Figaro for The Pearl. His directing credits also include No Child… and THOM PAIN (based on nothing).

"The Pearl is a New York institution and a national gem, and I'm honored to be part of its future," Brooks added. "For 30 years, the company has earned its reputation as a leader in producing the classics. I aim to connect our company's great body of works with new audiences, new partners, new artists, and new territory. My long-range artistic vision is to bring my new play development experience to the classics, commissioning a talented roster of playwrights to create new translations and adaptations from the classical repertory and embracing a wider circle of plays into the fold of what we call a classic."

The Pearl announced the lineup for its 31st season, which ranges from the 17th century to the 20th. It will begin with Chekhov's Uncle Vanya and continue with George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara. The Pearl will kick off 2015 with Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale and conclude its season with Moliere's Don Juan. The season-at-a-glance follows.

Uncle Vanya
By Anton Chekhov
Directed by Pearl artistic director Hal Brooks
Sept. 9–Oct. 12
Opening Night: Sept. 21

Major Barbara
By George Bernard Shaw
Co-Produced with Gingold Theatrical Group
Directed by Gingold artistic director David Staller
Nov. 4–Dec. 14
Opening Night: Nov. 1

The Winter's Tale
By William Shakespeare
In association with the Shakespeare Society
Directed by Shakespeare Society artistic director Michael Sexton
Feb. 10-March 15, 2015
Opening Night: Feb. 22

Don Juan
By Moliere
Directed by Pearl artistic director Hal Brooks
May 5–June 7
Opening Night: May 17

Founded in 1984, The Pearl, which is New York's only classical resident company, "has produced a body of work encompassing the full breadth of theatre history, from ancient Greek tragedy to contemporary works rooted in the classics."

The Pearl Theatre is located at 555 West 42nd Street. More information can be found by visiting pearltheatre.org.