COSTA MESA, CALIF.: South Coast Repertory (SCR) has announced that David Ivers will be the theatre’s new artistic director. He succeeds SCR artistic director Marc Masterson, who, after seven years in the job, completed his contract at the end of the 2017-18 season.

“Among the pool of distinguished and diverse candidates, David immediately stood out,” said Samuel Tang, president of SCR’s board of trustees and chair of the search committee, in a statement. “He’s a dynamic visionary—one who will lead us into the future. We sought someone who could build on SCR’s foundation of stellar theatre artistry and strong financial position. His commitment to the classics, contemporary works, and new plays align perfectly with SCR’s mission. David is a special and collaborative individual.”

Ivers will assume the position in March. Until then, he will be finishing prior projects and commitments, while working collaboratively to plan SCR’s 2019-20 season. He will join Paula Tomei, managing director, as co-chief executive officer of the theatre.

“I’m delighted that David will be joining SCR,” said Tomei in a statement. “He is both passionate and discerning when it comes to the art onstage and is committed to extending our work in the community. His positive energy, keen sense of humor, and joyful spirit are infectious, and I look forward with excitement to our partnership.”

Ivers has worked as a director, educator, and actor and is currently serving as artistic director for Arizona Theatre Company, a position he’s held since May 2017. He previously served for more than 20 years as an actor and director at Utah Shakespeare Festival, with the last six as artistic director. Ivers was also resident artist at Denver Center Theatre Company for a decade, during which he acted in and directed more than 40 plays. His early career also included serving as associate artistic director of Portland Repertory Theatre.

As an actor Ivers has appeared in productions at some of the nation’s top regional theatres, including Portland Center Stage and the Oregon, Alabama, and Idaho Shakespeare festivals. He has served on various boards, such as the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, and the American Shakespeare Collective.

“I am profoundly grateful and deeply humbled to be SCR’s next artistic director,” said Ivers in a statement. “Returning home to California, to the organization that helped inspire my early desire to pursue a life in the theatre, is a dream come true. I’m grateful to founders David Emmes and Martin Benson and the trustees who have all guided this institution for more than half a century. I’m inspired by managing director Paula Tomei, the playwrights, artists, and staff members who create great theatre, and in awe of the roster of new plays that have been developed at SCR. I look forward to the months ahead as my family and I make our way back ‘home.’”

Founded in 1964, the Tony-winning South Coast Repertory is widely recognized as one of the leading professional theatres in the U.S. and focuses on encouraging new-play development.