The Théâtre du Rêve announces a new artistic director

After a year-long national search, Théâtre du Rêve founder Carolyn Cook will pass the torch to new artistic director Anna Richardson.

Carolyn Cook, founder of the Atlanta-based Francophone Theatre Company, will retire from her leadership role with the company this summer to resume independent work as an actor, director and writer.

“I love this company and will continue to support our mission,” Cook said. “Thanks to our strong board of directors and supporters, we are on solid financial footing, even after the pandemic. It’s the perfect time for new artistic leadership, and Anna Richardson is exactly the right person for the job.

Richardson is thrilled to take over as artistic director of a company she deeply loves and believes in. She returns to Théâtre du Rêve after working with the company in multiple administrative and artistic roles between 2014 and 2022, including as a teaching artist; Director of Marketing, Outreach and Development; and events consultant. She also worked as a stage manager, director, and actress for numerous Atlanta theaters in the 2010s.

“I’m thrilled to be working again in my favorite theater city with artists and theater makers that I deeply respect,” she says.

A graduate of French literature from Goucher College, Richardson studied in France and wrote a thesis in French on the impact of improvisation on adolescent development. She now lives in Boston, but will travel to Atlanta frequently for this role and says she plans to take advantage of the access to both major cities and the opportunities there for the Dream Theater.

“I had the honor and pleasure of working closely with Carolyn in 2016 and have continued to support and collaborate with Theater of the Dream since returning to Boston,” said Richardson. “I am excited to continue Carolyn’s vision for the company and build on the work that Théâtre du Rêve has done to expand what French theater means, particularly by highlighting lesser-known French-speaking people and people. »

The lineup for the inaugural season of the Théâtre du Rêve under Richardson’s direction will be announced in the fall.