American Theater Company has named Bonnie Metzgar as interim artistic director, following the unexpected death of artistic director PJ Paparelli in a car accident last month. Metzgar, the former artistic director of About Face Theatre, directed ATC's production of Anna Deveare Smith's Let Me Down Easy earlier this season, featuring ensemble member Usman Ally.
Also this season, Metzgar directed Red Tape Theatre's production of Taylor Mac's The Walk Across America for Mother Earth as part of Steppenwolf's Garage Rep; she's a current member of the Goodman Theatre's Playwrights Unit as well. ATC's board of directors says it plans to conduct a national search for new permanent leadership. Paparelli's final production at the theater, The Project(s), continues through June 21.