Marco Barricelli, an acclaimed actor with a national reputation for performances in both Shakespearean and modern roles, has been named as the new Artistic Director of Shakespeare Santa Cruz.
Originally from Boston, Barricelli is a graduate of The Juilliard School and has been an actor, director and educator since 1982. He spent eight seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as an actor and also directed productions for the organization's school-visit tour program. From 1997 to 2005, he was an Associate Artist at the American Conservatory Theatre (A.C.T.) in San Francisco--acting, directing, and teaching in the Master of Fine Arts program. Barricelli has also taught acting at the Accademia Silvio D'Amico in Rome and the Prima del teatro in Tuscany.
"I am delighted to be given the unique and joyous opportunity of taking on the artistic reins of Shakespeare Santa Cruz," said Barricelli. "It is my intention to guide Shakespeare Santa Cruz into a future filled with exciting plays, magnificent artistry, and imaginative storytelling."
Barricelli now resides in New York City and will relocate to the Santa Cruz area in early December. He is currently in rehearsals for Arthur Miller's The Price, which will run at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut through mid-November.
"UC Santa Cruz is thrilled to welcome an artist of Marco Barricelli's caliber as the new Artistic Director of Shakespeare Santa Cruz," noted UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal. "Shakespeare Santa Cruz is one of many creative jewels in our crown, and we look forward to its continued success in providing a resource for both the community and the academic programs on campus."
Barricelli's appointment was the result of a nine-month international search; he succeeds Paul Whitworth who will retain his position as UCSC professor of theater arts.
