Strawdog Theatre Company announced the appointments of Paul Cook (he/him) as its new managing director and Donna “Dante” Gary (they/them) as its new production manager.
Cook has been the production manager at Strawdog since 2019 and an ensemble member since 2020. As a director, he has created work in Tennessee, Illinois and California. Prior to joining Strawdog, Cook was the production manager for Pride Films and Plays. He also currently serves in the same capacity at Peninsula Players Theatre in Door County, Wisconsin.
Gary is a non-binary femme creative and administrator. They are a longtime member of the Support Ho(s)e Collective and a new organizer with the Midwest Perzine Festival.
In March, Strawdog announced it had shifted to a free theater model, offering free admission to all of its productions. The company said the move was “guided by the company’s mission toward equity, anti-racism and inclusion,” according to a press release. Advance reservations are required.