Joe Atack Named Executive Director of Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Written by Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival (LTSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Atack as its new Executive Director. An accomplished theater professional, Atack’s 20+ years of regional theater experience and commitment to educational programming in the community made him an ideal candidate to deliver on the theater’s mission. Atack will assume his new role immediately – succeeding former Executive Director, Bob Taylor, as part of a planned retirement transition.

“We’re thrilled to elevate an extraordinarily talented and internationally experienced member of our team to the role of Executive Director at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival,” said Patty Jansen, Chair of the Festival’s Board of Directors. “In addition to his robust resume, Joe’s longtime dedication to our company, deep connection to the community that we serve, and passionate commitment to creating exceptional arts experiences will propel the Festival to an exciting future.”

As Executive Director, Atack will join Producing Artistic Director, Charles Fee, in leading Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival – working closely with the Festival’s Board of Directors and staff to deliver high-quality theatrical productions and engaging educational experiences to the region.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the Board’s unanimous decision to appoint Joe as Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival’s next Executive Director. It makes all the sense in the world for our company,” said Charles Fee, LTSF’s Producing Artistic Director. “Joe is an extraordinary theater practitioner with a long history with our company…and extensive experience as a producer, educator, and creative artist. Building on our 14-year working relationship together, I look forward to collaborating with him in new and exciting ways to advance the Festival’s momentum of success.”

Atack’s deep knowledge of the Festival and background of experience positions him uniquely for success in his new Executive Director role. He has served LTSF for the past 17 years – most recently as Director of Education since 2011. Originally trained as an actor at the Arden School of Theatre, University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, Joe moved to the United States to join LTSF in 2007 where he helped create the Festival’s signature, in-school education program InterACT. In addition, Atack earned a Master of Science in Arts Administration degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA and served as Producing Artistic Director of the Good Luck Macbeth Theatre Company in Reno, NV since 2014.

“I am honored and excited to step into this new role with the Festival,” said Atack of his appointment. “I am proud to call Northern Nevada home and grateful to have worked with so many amazing educators and artists in the community. I am thrilled to work more closely with Charles Fee – leading our dedicated team of staff, artists, and volunteers to build on the Festival’s incredible legacy in the region and continue serving our audiences and community in meaningful ways.”