Pictured: Derek Bertelsen and Sara Pavlak McGuire

AstonRep Theatre Company has announced the three productions that will make up its 2018-19 season, along with numerous leadership changes.

The season kicks off this fall with Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy THE LONESOME WEST directed by Company Member Dana Anderson, followed in the winter by the 10th ANNUAL WRITERS’ SERIES, a daylong festival of workshops from local and regional writers. The season concludes next summer with Rebecca Gilman’s drama THE CROWN YOU’RE IN WITH, directed by newly named Co-Artistic Director Derek Bertelsen.

Bertlesen, along with Co-Managing Director/Casting Director Sara Pavlak McGuire have been named Co-Artistic Directors, succeeding Robert Tobin, who will remain active with the company. McGuire will also continue as the company’s Casting Director. Additionally, Company Member Ray Kasper will serve as Executive Director; Company Member Jeremiah Barr has been named Associate Artistic Director; Company Member Samantha Barr will serve as Managing Director and Company Member Amy Kasper is the new Marketing Director.

AstonRep Theatre Company’s 2018-19 Season (from the press release):

THE LONESOME WEST
October 18 – November 18, 2018
By Martin McDonagh
Directed by Company Member Dana Anderson
at The Raven Theatre (West Stage), 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago

Valene and Coleman, two brothers living alone in their father’s house after his recent death, find it impossible to exist without the most massive and violent disputes over the most mundane and innocent of topics. Only Father Welsh, the local young priest, is prepared to try to reconcile the two before their petty squabblings spiral into vicious and bloody carnage.

The 10TH ANNUAL WRITER’S SERIES
Saturday, December 1, 2018
Vagabond School of the Arts, 4001 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago
Titles to be announced.

A festival of talented local and regional writers who have an opportunity to workshop near-finished plays and works in development. Over the course of a day, five to seven new works are read by professional actors followed by focused talkback sessions – a time-honored celebration of artistic collaboration.

THE CROWD YOU’RE IN WITH
May 16 – June 16, 2019
By Rebecca Gilman
Directed by Co-Artistic Director Derek Bertelsen
at The Raven Theatre (West Stage), 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago

A backyard barbeque is the perfect place to tackle life’s big questions: Is the chicken done? Does the band need a new tune? Is this the right time to have a baby? Rebecca Gilman’s fresh and moving play takes an intimate look at modern families, friendships and the ins and outs of love.

For more information visit astonrep.com.