It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I have taken a new job (effective July 1, 2023) as Chair of the Theatre Department at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

In consultation with the faculty and staff of the WOU theater department, the decision has been made to temporarily suspend VSC operations and take an indefinite hiatus in order to reassess the direction of the company. It is my hope that VSC will continue to pursue its mission to increase Oregon’s cultural visibility through the presentation of unique theatrical works while supporting professional artists and arts education in the region.

It has been a pleasure to bring the stories of Shakespeare and his contemporaries to life for a community that has given back so much in terms of support, inspiration and an unflinching belief in the power of theatre to transform lives and affect change. I feel lucky and blessed.

Special thanks to Scott Grim, Laurel Peterson, Laura Killip, Ted deChatelet, Ryan Wright, Sharon Stokes Oberst, Julia Fruit, Lucy Paschall and all the students, community and company members who did so much with limited resources to make this massive annual undertaking happen each summer.

Nothing will ever compare to the magical feeling of sitting under the Willamette Valley stars at the end of each VSC show!

With deep gratitude,
David Janowiak
Artistic Director,
Valley Shakespeare Company