MIAMI: GableStage has appointed Bari Newport to be its new producing artistic director, effective April 1. Newport succeeds Joe Adler, who died in April 2020 after 20 seasons leading the organization.
“Bari has the rare combination of artistic ability and business skills to run a theatre and lead our growth efforts,” said the GableStage board in a joint statement. “We wanted someone who would address the diversity of Miami, have their own voice and creative style, and be a leader who engages the community, board, company, staff, and volunteers. Bari will lead us into the future.”
Previously, Newport was the producing artistic director of Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor, Maine. During her career, she has created and stabilized a wide range of artistic initiatives at various theatres, including working extensively in new-play development, education, and community engagement. Prior to her time at Penobscot, she was artistic associate at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, artistic associate/literary manager at the Pasadena Playhouse, associate producer at Horizon Theatre, and associate director of Florida Repertory Theatre.
“I can’t even begin to share my excitement about this tremendous opportunity and responsibility,” said Newport in a statement. “I am inspired by the strong mission at GableStage and love the diverse and art-loving community Miami brings. While it will certainly be a challenge taking over for someone as beloved and talented as Joe, the next chapter at GableStage is thrilling, and it is a tremendous honor to lead such a vital and visionary organization.”
Newport holds a BFA from the University of Southern California and an MFA from the University of Iowa. Her efforts at USC yielded the creation of the Bill White Memorial Theatre Collection, the university’s first and only theatrical library. As a director and actor, Newport has worked at Horizon Theatre Company, Greenbriar Valley Theatre, American Stage, Cumberland County Playhouse, Florida Repertory Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, Westport County Playhouse, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. She was also awarded Theatre Communications Group’s New Generations: Future Leaders grant, funded by the Carnegie and Doris Duke Foundations.
