DATE: February 18, 2014 CONTACT: Judy R. Goodman, Lents & Associates, 314.968.3060 Jgoodman@lentsandassoc.com Meet Julia Flood, the new Artistic Director for Metro Theater Company She takes the reins from Carol North, who is stepping down after 33 years of leadership (St. Louis, MO): Metro Theater Company is pleased to announce that Julia Flood has become the new Artistic Director, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a producer, director, playwright, actor and teacher. She was selected after a national search and most recently served as Producing Artistic Director of Eckerd Theater Company (ETC), a professional theater for young audiences based in Clearwater, FL. “Julia embraces the vision of Metro Theater Company,” states Susan Gamble, president of the board of directors and chair of the search committee. “Her impressive artistic resume and proven leadership of a theater company greatly excited us.” Ms. Flood is a classically trained actor, who spent seven years as a resident member of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. She also directed, wrote, designed, produced and acted in more than two dozen plays in the Bloomsburg community. Active in national theater organizations, she serves on the executive committee of the board of directors of TYA/USA (International Association of Theater for Children and Young People, U.S. Chapter). She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, SAG (Screen Actors Guild), AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), Dramatists Guild of America, and the advisory council of the National Society of Arts and Letters, West Florida Chapter. A native of New England, Ms. Flood graduated from Northwestern University and did post-­‐graduate study with famed teachers Robert Lewis and Alvina Krause. She traveled throughout the U.S. as a free-­‐
lance theater artist before settling in Florida in 1996. Julia is the author of more than a dozen produced plays for youth and family audiences, includingThe Snow Queen, music by Lee Ahlin (Eldridge Press 2000) and The Great Alphabet Adventure(Anchorage Press Plays 2010). “We needed just the right artistic leader for Metro Theater Company and St. Louis,” explains Matthew Neufeld, managing director. “Julia is the perfect choice to lead Metro Theater Company with compelling theater and education programs to address challenges faced by children and their communities.” About Metro Theater Company: Inspired by the intelligence and emotional wisdom of young people, Metro Theater Company creates professional theater, fosters inclusive community and nurtures meaningful learning through the arts. Founded in 1973, the Company tours its productions to schools and community sites throughout the St. Louis region, presents public performances for family audiences and offers a range of education programs. Metro Theater Company has performed for more than two million people and has toured nationally and internationally. Visit www.metroplays.org or call Nancy Tonkins at 314.932.7414, ext 105.