Hedgerow Theatre Company proudly announces the appointment of Tom Burke to the position of Managing Director, effective March 2, 2009. He joins Hedgerow as the theatre is in the midst of its 86th season. Mr. Burke will be partnering with the company's Producing Artistic Director Penelope Reed to lead the year-round theatre company that builds skills and launches careers in its Heritage Series and features top equity talent in its Signature Series. The company is dedicated to celebrating the intimate relationship between actors and audience.

Mr. Burke joins Hedgerow Theatre from Maritz Travel (the world's largest incentive travel company) where he was an Operations Manager overseeing multiple teams specializing in group travel, meetings and conventions for the pharmaceutical market. He is known as a strong team leader, improving processes and implementing change. Tom also brings with him more than 20 years of theater experience. He recently produced a show for the Philly Fringe Festival and was an active member of Random Acts of Theater. Educational credits include the State University of New York at Buffalo where he earned a B.A. in Psychology and Theater as well as studying theater at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK. Tom also studied French at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland where he co-founded the Sun & Moon Theater company. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to merge his corporate and theatrical skills as the Hedgerow Theater's Managing Director.

"When I saw 'Looking Over the President's Shoulder', learned about the history of Hedgerow and met Penelope Reed and the team, I knew I had found a place I could call my professional home. Hedgerow's operating principle is 'Good Heart' and I am proud to be a part of the organization," said Mr. Burke.

Hedgerow Theatre Company is America's Oldest Resident Repertory Theatre, founded in 1923. The theatre's upcoming spring season will feature the Heritage Series production of G.B. Shaw's Arms and the Man, opening March 6-April 4, followed by a world premiere Signature Series production, The White Room by Nagle Jackson, featuring special equity guest artists.

For further information, please call Tom Burke at 610-566-403.

Visit Hedgerow Theatre's website at www.hedgerowtheatre.org.