New Artistic Director Announced for The Cape Playhouse

Michael Rader

DENNIS – Michael Rader has been tapped as the new Artistic Director for the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis.

The announcement was made today by the Board of Trustees for The Cape Cod Center for the Arts, which is the operator of The Cape Playhouse.

“Over the last six months, we have conducted an extensive national search, which brought us the perfect candidate: Michael Rader,” said Leslie A. Gardner, vice president of the Board of Trustees. “His experience spans theatre and education, as a director and administrator, in the U.S. and internationally. He is uniquely equipped to guide the historic Cape Playhouse through the next decade,” Gardner said. “We are happy to welcome him and look forward to his leadership.”

Rader will be introduced to the community at The Cape Playhouse’s 90th Anniversary Gala, which will be held on Sunday at 6:30 pm.

Featuring dinner, drinks and dancing, on the grounds of The Cape Playhouse, the festive celebration will honor long-time set designers Helen Pond and Herbert Senn.

Tickets, at $150 (general admission) and $250 (premium, including reserved seating), will support Cape Cod Center for the Arts, a non-profit organization supporting the historic theatre; they are available by calling 508-385-3911 and at CapePlayhouse.com

Rader is the current Resident Director for the Broadway National tour of A Christmas Story, managing a company of over sixty actors, musicians and crew.

Additionally, he has served as Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil on their international tour of Varekai where he managed a diverse creative staff of ninety.

As Artistic Director, Rader will conceive and develop the range and quality of productions for which The Cape Playhouse is known.

In addition to the regular, six-play season, he will develop the children’s season, and special events.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the exceptional staff and passionate board of directors of The Cape Playhouse as we collaboratively work towards the centennial anniversary of this historic theatre,” stated Michael Rader. “To have been chosen for this position is a great honor. I am very much looking forward to continuing and developing the vast tradition of artistic excellence that is synonymous with The Cape Playhouse name.”

Rader’s other theatrical highlights include productions with Sacramento Music Circus, The Actors Studio, several national tours, and The Jerry Lewis Telethon.

As a Broadway Liaison with the New York State Department of Education, he consulted on arts integration and curriculum development while assisting in the development of sustainable theater programing within New York City schools.

The historic Cape Playhouse is midway through its 90th anniversary season; currently playing through is The Music Man, playing through July 23, followed by The May Queen, Cabaret, and The Mousetrap.

Tickets for all shows, and the 90th Anniversary Gala, are on sale and can be purchased at CapePlayhouse.com or by calling 508-385-3911.