Gregory Doran new Artistic Director of RSC

Gregory Doran is to be the new Artistic Director of The Royal Shakespeare Company (He is currently Chief Associate Director). He will take up the post formally after the Annual General Meeting of the Company in September 2012.

Gregory Doran is taking over from Michael Boyd who announced last year he was stepping down after 10 years in the job.

RSC Chairman, Nigel Hugill, said: "Greg Doran is a perfect choice for the RSC and is well known to all our audiences. His long history with the Company is testament to his great skill as a director, his deep understanding of Shakespeare and a true commitment to theatre-making. He has directed many award-winning productions and seasons at the RSC, and taken our work right across the world, receiving recognition for his talent as far afield as the US, Japan, Spain and South Africa, as well as in the UK. He has championed the classical repertoire and new work alongside Shakespeare, and has been a long-time collaborator with many RSC artists. As well as directing theatre, he has led the way in experimenting with capturing theatre on film and has written extensively about Shakespeare."

Gregory Doran said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Artistic Director of this great company. I joined the RSC 25 years ago, first as an actor, then as assistant director and then Chief Associate, so I guess if my appointment represents something, it represents a long term commitment to the disciplines and craftsmanship required to do the astonishing plays of our “Star of Poets”, William Shakespeare."

Gregory Doran began his career with the RSC as an actor in the 1987-88 season, becoming an Assistant Director in 1989. He was made an Associate Director in 1996, and became Chief Associate Director in 2006. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and in 2011 was awarded Honorary Doctorates by the University of Nottingham and the University of Bristol.