Release: Ericson To Courthouse Center As Artistic Producer

The Board of Directors of the Courthouse Center for the Arts (CCA) in West Kingston is pleased to announce that Richard Ericson, former Artistic Producer of FourQuest Entertainment/Theatre by-the-Sea, has joined the Courthouse as Consulting Artistic Producer.

Ericson, who calls Hopkinton home, said, “I'm really excited to get involved with the Courthouse--it's a wonderful venue for a full range of artistic experience.  We're currently planning a brand new roster of productions including theater (musical, drama and comedy), stand-up and sketch comedy as well as visual arts exhibits.   And look for more affordable ticket pricing, as well," he emphasized.  "Look for something for everyone.”

“CCA is housed in a wonderful historic building that serves the community of South County, as well as communities around the State of Rhode Island and neighboring states.  I envision developing drama and musical theater classes for young people as well as bringing professionals to perform on our stage,” Ericson concluded.

“We are thrilled to have Richard who has such a wide range of professional experience and history of high caliber productions join us,” said Janet Innis, President of the Board of Directors of CCA.  “The Courthouse Center for the Arts is a unique cultural resource in our state and having Richard involved will enhance the quality and variety of productions and arts events for our audiences.”

During Ericson’s tenure with FourQuest, co-founded with two partners in 1988, he and his partners produced ten seasons at the Theatre by-the-Sea and launched national touring productions of “Late Nite Catechism,” “The Music Man,” “Crazy for You,” and “Singing in the Rain.”  Their large-scale multi-cultural production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which Ericson also directed, toured North America, Mexico and the Far East.

A BFA graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, Department of Drama, Ericson has directed and/or produced over 75 productions regionally, on tour, on and off-Broadway and for casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He was Assistant Professor at SUNY Purchase, an instructor at Circle-in the Square and NYU (Tisch), Webster University in St. Louis and the University of Rhode Island.

Ericson is currently developing, with producing partners, a new musical and a contemporary romantic comedy.  Additionally he is Co-owner and manager of Renaissance Gardening, Ltd.

An announcement of many of the upcoming productions through August, 2012 is expected shortly and will be found at www.courthousearts.org.