Eagan Named Artistic Director of Ars Nova

By Andrew Gans
19 Jun 2007

Jason Eagan
Jason Eagan
Photo by Richard Mitchell

Jason Eagan has been named the first artistic director of Ars Nova, the intimate theatre space located on West 54th Street.

Eagan's position with the theatre company begins immediately.

Eagan has been a producer at Ars Nova since 2003. Among his more recent projects are At Least It's Pink and Dixie's Tupperware Party.

In a statement Ars Nova co-founder Jenny Wiener said, "Jason's track record for identifying and developing new artists and projects has been exceptional. Jason is a true advocate for artists and has helped make Ars Nova a home for the next generation of playwrights, composers, directors, performers, musicians and designers. Being named artistic director is a natural extension of the leadership he has provided to the theatre."

Ars Nova co-founder Jon Steingart added, "In just a few short years, Ars Nova has defined itself as a true destination for emerging artists and unique productions. Our new structure allows Jason to fuel the development pipeline toward even larger and more ambitious productions while still serving our core mission. Jenny and I will now focus on strategic growth with our Board to make sure that the next wave of talent will always have a home in New York."

About his new position, Eagan said, "I am grateful for this opportunity to further Jon and Jenny's vision of creating the premier New York home for emerging artists. This is a fantastic opportunity for me to deepen my work with a community of artists who come to Ars Nova to take risks and inspire one another. I want to continue my ongoing search and support of up-and-coming talent, maintain our strong focus on developing new work and expand our efforts so we can produce a larger number of full-scale productions in our 54th street venue and throughout the city."

As a producer for Ars Nova, Jason Eagan has co-produced presentations of Sandra Bernhard, Nellie McKay and Justin Bond as well as The Wau Wau Sisters, Freestyle Love Supreme, Planet Banana, Holy Cross Sucks!, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, At Least It's Pink and Dixie's Tupperware Party. Among his many directing credits are Brilliant Mistake: Broadway Sings Elvis Costello, Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Audios Pantalones, Ana Gasteyer's Let It Rip!, Gypsy (starring Andrea McArdle at the Houston Ballet & Theater); and the San Francisco production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch starring Kevin Cahoon. Eagan has also worked as a stage manager and/or assistant director for BETTY Rules, Kimberly Akimbo (MTC), The Bomb-ity of Errors, Four (MTC) and Bright Lights Big City (NYTW). Eagan worked with several opera companies before arriving in New York in 1997 to manage Disney's design studio for The Lion King. He is a member of The Improbable Theatre Company and Gotham Stage Company.

For more information visit www.arsnovanyc.com.