ANN CICCOLELLA, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Ann is a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Texas department of Theatre and Dance, and has taught at St. Edwards University. As a director at Zachary Scott Theatre Center, Ann directed: Cabaret, The Vagina Monologues, Full Gallop, Closer, Master Class, and Misery. In Zilker park, she staged Sondheim's Into the Woods (1990), and for Austin Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream (1992). In Austin, she also directed Hedda Gabler, and Other People's Money, as well as productions of her scripts as a playwright.
Before moving to Austin, Ann served as associate director for SHAKESPEARE ON WHEELS, from the University of Maryland Baltimore Country for three years. For ten years, she led the Renaissance Theater Company as Artistic Director, producing and directing Off-Broadway and along the East Coast with shows ranging from Romeo and Juliet, to Oedipus Rex to Cyrano de Bergerac.
In New York, she directed Measure for Measure in Washington Square Park, The Oresteia at the New York Shakespeare Ensemble, and Checkov's The Seagull. Ann is a graduate of NYU in Dramatic Literature, History of Theater and Cinema.
On August 9, 2007 Ann Ciccolella was hired as the Artistic Director of Austin Shakespeare. Later that day, City Council member Mike Martinez, and Austin City Manager Toby Futrell presented Ciccolella with a "Distinguished Service Award" for her advocacy in building the creative community of Austin.
Ciccolella arrived at Austin Shakespeare following an eight-year tenure at Austin’s Zachary Scott Theatre as managing director. A long-standing arts enthusiast, she has worked with the Austin Circle of Theatres and the Renaissance Theatre Company, while frequently lecturing at The University of Texas at Austin and teaching at St. Edward’s University. As a driving force in the community, Ciccolella worked intensely with voters to garner $32.5 million in bonds for Austin’s arts facilities.