Antonio joins the 41-year-old professional theatre with distinguished credentials in dramaturgy and literary management. Most recently he was director of new project development at Seattle Repertory Theatre. From 1996 to 2001 he served as literary manager at the New York Shakespeare Festival/Joseph Papp Public Theater. During his affiliation with Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage, Antonio held the position of literary associate/education coordinator.

As head of one of the country's most prestigious and busiest theatrical literary departments, Antonio's duties will include close collaboration with Masterson on planning Actors Theatre's annual Humana Festival of New American Plays, a 29-year-old internationally known showcase of stage premieres.

"Merv makes a dynamic addition to the artistic staff here at Actors Theatre, stated Masterson. "He brings significant expertise and strong passion to an important post at our organization as we continue as a leader in the creation of new plays for the American theatre."

Actors Theatre's 2005 Humana Festival of New American Plays, underwritten by The Humana Foundation, continues to April 9.

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