Playwright returns

Elia Powers

After a five-year hiatus from South Coast Repertory Theater, John

Glore will return to the Cosa Mesa theater this summer with a new

title.

Earlier this week, Glore was introduced as the Repertory’s

associate artistic director, a position created by co-founders and

artistic directors David Emmes and Martin Benson in the wake of

well-known literary advisor Jerry Patch’s departure to the Old Globe

Theater in San Diego more than a month ago.

“When there is a major change, it’s an opportunity for us to

assess where we are,” Emmes said. “We decided to create a new

position that shifts responsibility away from literary management and

moves toward artistic leadership.”

Glore, 49, a Silverlake resident, has helped playwrights develop

their work at Los Angeles’ Center Theater Group since 2000. He heads

the literary department that serves three theaters, including the

Mark Taper Forum.

Prior to that position, Glore was South Coast Repertory’s literary

manager for 15 years. He served as literary advisor, or dramaturge,

on a variety of productions and readings of new plays, and as project

director for the California Play Program and associate director of

the Pacific Playwrights Festival.

In his new role, Glore will work closely with Emmes and Benson in

developing programming for the 2005-06 season. He will help organize

productions, play a role in the hiring of playwrights, designers and

talent, and take an active role in artistic decisions.

“He will have a strong voice in advocating projects,” Emmes said.

Added Glore: “It’s exciting for me on a number of levels. It’s a

homecoming for me. I’m ready to take on some new challenges and

continue to work with playwrights.”

Emmes said there will still be room for literary leadership in

Glore’s job description. He will direct South Coast Repertory’s

Pacific Playwright’s Festival and cultivate relationships with

writers.

And there’s a chance for Glore to expand his artistic repertoire.

“The idea of trying my hand at producing is exciting,” Glore said.

A playwright himself, Glore’s work has been shown at theaters

across the country.

In past years, the Repertory has commissioned and premiered his

plays “The Company of Heaven” and “On the Jump,” which won the

Kennedy Center’s Roger L. Stevens Award.

His most recent work, “Preludes & Fugues,” will premiere in

September in Los Angeles.

“He’s a learned man of the theater and has tremendous people

skills,” Emmes said. “He knows our culture and our values.”