SCR appoints new artistic director

COSTA MESA — In a special meeting Wednesday, the South Coast Repertory’s board of trustees appointed Marc Masterson to take over its artistic direction starting in April.

SCR founders and current artistic directors, David Emmes and Martin Benson, will stay on and advise in the new role of founding directors.

Masterson has led artists at the Actors Theatre in Louisville, Ky., for the past 11 years, working on more than 100 production premieres that eventually toured the country.

He has more than 30 years of experience, with his recent tenure in Kentucky involving a large organization with multiple stages, an education department and new-play festival, all of which makes him a perfect fit for SCR, company officials said.

Masterson was appointed unanimously and will become part-time artistic director April 1. Managing Director Paula Tomei will work with him in the transition and act as co-chief executive officer. Masterson becomes full-time artistic director Sept. 1.

Masterson is married to Patricia Melvin. The couple have two daughters, Laura and Alex.

—Joseph Serna