"This is a special season for The Festival," said Pedro Silva, managing and artistic director, in a statement. "We want to produce two plays we feel confident will appeal to lovers of Shakespeare, young and old, and also have a strong connection to the curriculum in our schools."

Geoffrey Hitch, whose history with The Festival goes as far back as 1977 and 1978 when he directed Twelfth Night and A Christmas Carol, respectively, will direct Romeo and Juliet. He also staged Shaw's Arms and the Man in 1989. Hitch has extensive credits at theatres throughout the country and is currently on the faculty of the theatre program at Carnegie Mellon.

John Woodson will return to NCSF after an absence of almost 20 years to direct Taming of the Shrew. Many will remember him as a member of The Festival's premiere season in 1977, and as a company regular through 1986. Woodson is a graduate of North Carolina School of the Arts and has acted at regional theatres nationwide.

His NCSF credits include Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire and Chris in All My Sons.

Casting for the season is underway. Silva hopes to have the 30th season company in place by June. "I look forward to working with John and Geoff,” he said, "two colleagues who have a fond history with The Festival. I'm honored, too, that Allan Edwards will be acting with us this season, celebrating his 19th year at NCSF."

NCSF's season runs Sept. 8–Oct. 8 at The High Point Theatre and Oct. 12–15 at The Fletcher Theater in Raleigh.

Subscription, individual and group tickets go on sale July 5.

For more information, visit www.ncshakes.org.