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David Ivers

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David Ivers BIO

David Ivers has a proven track record of theatrical excellence, dynamic leadership and creating meaningful connections with audiences. Prior to his appointment as artistic director at South Coast Repertory, he served as artistic director for Arizona Theater Company. Before that, he served more than 20 years as an actor and director at Utah Shakespeare Festival, with the last six as artistic director. At USF, he helped usher in a $40 million expansion of the festival’s facilities and his tenure was marked by a significant re-brand of the organization and several key initiatives including the launch of WORDS (cubed) new play program, He was a resident artist at Denver Center Theatre Company for a decade, acting in and/or directing more than 40 plays and has helmed productions at many of the nation’s leading regional theatres including the Guthrie Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and South Coast Repertory (One Man, Two Guv’nors, 2015). His early career included serving as associate artistic director of Portland Repertory Theatre and he 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 numerous boards including the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center and the American Shakespeare Collective. He taught at the University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Southern Utah University and Southern Oregon University. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley area and earned his BA from Southern Oregon University and his MFA from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two sons, Jack and Elliot.

David Ivers News


Review: PRELUDE TO A KISS Returns to South Coast Repertory as a World Premiere Musical


Based on Craig Lucas' 1988 play and 1992 film adaptation of the same name, PRELUDE TO A KISS - THE MUSICAL is an admirable first attempt of a new musical that is, clearly, still a work-in-progress. In its current state, this genuinely charming but disjointed musical could use a sharp refocus and some more magical and narrative clarity.

Video: Hannah Corneau Sings 'I Haven't Slept in Years' from South Coast Rep's PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL


Watch as Hannah Corneau rehearses 'I Haven't Slept in Years' from Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical with Music Director Wiley DeWeese on piano. The musical has Lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, Music by Daniel Messé and book by Craig Lucas. The production is directed by David Ivers.

Video: Director David Ivers on What to Expect From PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL at South Coast Repertory


Artistic Director David Ivers directs “Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical” in April. In this video, he discusses what to expect from this World Premiere. “For better or worse” takes on new meaning when a mysterious guest requests a kiss at Peter and Rita’s wedding—and their lives are forever changed.

South Coast Repertory Announces Lineup For 26th PACIFIC PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL


Discover the lineup for the 26th Pacific Playwrights Festival at South Coast Repertory, showcasing new works from emerging playwrights. Featuring world-premiere productions of PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL and GALILEE, 34.

Contest: Win Tickets To South Coast Repertory's Production of PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL


You could win two tickets to PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL at South Coast Repertory Theatre on April 13, 2024, at 8:00 PM. Enter the contest below for a chance to win. Contest ends 11:59 PM ET April 6th, 2024.

Milwaukee Rep Announces PRELUDE TO A KISS THE MUSICAL World Premiere and More for 2024/25 Season


Milwaukee Repertory Theater announces its 2024/25 Season, featuring award-winning titles, world premieres, and more. Get all the details in the press release attached.

Video: Watch Director David Ivers Discuss PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL at South Coast Rep


Artistic Director and Director David Ivers discusses the beginnings of “Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical” at SCR. “For better or worse” takes on new meaning when a mysterious guest requests a kiss at Peter and Rita’s wedding—and their lives are forever changed. Watch the video here!

VIDEO: Take a Look Back at The Plays of Craig Lucas at South Coast Repertory


South Coast Repertory has released a look back at its productions of Craig Lucas's work in honor of its production of 'Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical', running April 5-May 4, 2024. Check out the video retrospective here!

South Coast Repertory Announces 2024 Outside SCR Production: THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON


South Coast Repertory announces their 2024 production of 'The Old Man and The Old Moon' in partnership with Mission San Juan Capistrano.

SCR Managing Director Paula Tomei Will Step Down After 44 Years


South Coast Repertory announced that Managing Director Paula Tomei will step down at the end of the current season—SCR's 60th and her 44th, with the last 30 years serving as managing director.

South Coast Repertory Announces World Premiere Of GALILEE, 34 By Eleanor Burgess To Round Out The 60th Season


South Coast Repertory announces the world premiere of 'Galilee, 34' by Eleanor Burgess. This insightful play explores the lives of Jesus' followers after the crucifixion.

Guthrie Theater to Bring Oscar Wilde's Classic Comedy, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, to the Stage


Get ready to be entertained by Guthrie Theater's rendition of the timeless comedy, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde. Find out showtimes, ticket availability, and more.

South Coast Repertory 60th Season Including QUIXOTE NUEVO, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, And More


South Coast Repertory announced its 60th season, with a lineup that ranges from an American classic to contemporary works, with two world premieres—including one musical—and a special offering featuring pianist and actor Hershey Felder.

South Coast Repertory Presents World Premiere of AVAAZ


South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei) brings you the story of the American journey through an Iranian American lens with the world premiere of avaaz by queer Iranian American playwright Michael Shayan. Directed by Tony Award-nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel (Hand to God), avaaz runs April 29-May 27 on the Segerstrom Stage.

Northlight Announces Reading Of JOAN, A New Play About Joan Rivers


Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the next installment of Interplay with Joan by David Goldstein, directed by David Ivers on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 7:00pm. The creative consultant is Larry Amoros. The reading is presented with permission from Mills Entertainment in association with Sheboygan Productions and Larry Amoros.

COLEMAN '72 World Premiere to be Presented at 25th Pacific Playwrights Festival


A cross-country journey that covers much more than miles takes the stage next as South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei) present Coleman ’72 by Charlie Oh.

World Premiere of FOR THE PEOPLE & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2023-2024 Season


The Guthrie Theater has announced a robust 10-production lineup of cherished classics and insightful new work for its 2023–2024 Season. See the lineup, and how to purchase tickets!

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Wins Inaugural Pinnacle Commission From South Coast Repertory and Playwrights Horizons


South Coast Repertory and Playwrights Horizons have announced that playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has been awarded the first Pinnacle Commission.

South Coast Repertory Presents The Theatrical Event Of The Season: VOICES OF AMERICA


South Coast Repertory Artistic Director David Ivers described “Voices of America” as “an experience nobody's ever had before.” Managing Director Paula Tomei called it “adventurous theatre.” And the rotating repertory of Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes and Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins—fits both descriptions as they explore shared themes of family, history and legacy.

South Coast Repertory Adds Extra Performance of NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN


Due to popular demand, South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei) added an extra performance to its season-opening production of Nina Simone: Four Women by Christina Ham.

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