CENTER VALLEY, PA (February 19, 2025)—Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Carson as its new Director of Education and Community Engagement. A distinguished theatre professional and DeSales University alumna, Carson brings over 20 years of experience as an actor, director, playwright, and teaching artist to this pivotal role.

Carson joins PSF from the Allentown School District, where she currently serves as Theatre Director at Dieruff High School. Her extensive background in both professional theatre and education, combined with her deep connections within the Lehigh Valley arts community, uniquely positions her to expand the Festival’s educational initiatives and develop innovative programs that engage diverse audiences and foster a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

In her new role, Carson will spearhead PSF’s educational programs, including the Summer Educator Intensive, an immersive six-day program where English and theatre educators can earn professional development hours (PDE Act 48 credits). She will also lead The “Muse of Fire” Project, an immersive Shakespeare experience that connects high school students across the Lehigh Valley with professional theatre artists. Under her guidance, students will collaborate with seasoned directors and designers, honing their craft through hands-on workshops and culminating in a live performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Carson’s appointment, effective since September 2024, reflects PSF’s commitment to deepening its impact on education and community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim Carson to the PSF team,” said Jason King Jones, Artistic Director. “Her passion for theatre education, combined with her innovative vision and deep roots in the Lehigh Valley, makes her the ideal leader to expand our educational programming and strengthen our connections with the community. Kim’s expertise will ensure that PSF continues to inspire and empower the next generation of artists and audiences.”

Carson will oversee all educational programming and community outreach initiatives for the Festival, including the WillPower Tour, the annual Shakespeare Competition, a variety of educational workshops, and partnerships with local organizations for PSF’s Community Day on June 28, 2025.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is the Lehigh Valley’s Professional Equity Theatre hosted on the campus of DeSales University.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the official Shakespeare Festival of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, features acclaimed actors from Broadway, television, and film, and is the summer home to over 200 artists from around the country, including winners and nominees of the Tony, Obie, Emmy, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Jefferson, and Barrymore Awards.

Artistic Leadership:

JASON KING JONES (Artistic Director) is excited to embark on his third year with PSF. In his first two seasons, Jason expanded the organization’s footprint to include the “Play On!” Community Tour, the launch of Shakespeare 4 Kids to libraries, and Community Day. Prior to moving to the Lehigh Valley with his family, Jason spent ten years at Maryland’s Olney Theatre Center, where he served as Senior Associate Artistic Director and Artistic Director of National Players. In the past twenty-six years Jason has directed over seventy-five productions, mentored hundreds of early-career theatre makers, and established various in-school and summer educational programs. He is an Acting Company alumnus, a proud member of the PSF Board, the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit & Business Partners Council, and the Shakespeare Theatre Association’s Executive Committee. Jason holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Missouri State and an MFA in Directing from Boston University.

CASEY WILLIAM GALLAGHER (Managing Director) has worked at PSF for 26 seasons. Over the years he was a box office intern, a stage management intern, the assistant house manager, box office manager, company manager, assistant producer, director of development and worked directly with PSF Founder Jerry Schubert in the early years of the organization. Since 2004, in his role as general manager and later managing director, he served as the administrative leader of the Festival, working very closely with former Producing Artistic Director Patrick Mulcahy and the box office, business, development, marketing and production departments. Since 2023, Casey is co-leader of the Festival with Artistic Director Jason King Jones. Beyond PSF, Casey was treasurer for the Shakespeare Theatre Association, director of audience services for The People’s Light & Theatre Company, a board member for Civic Theatre of Allentown, a peer panelist for the New Jersey Council on the Arts and a judge for the Greater Philadelphia Barrymore Awards for excellence in theatre.

Information provided to TVL by:
Tina Louise Slak
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival