J.R. Sullivan also serves as the associate artistic director of the Utah Shakespearean Festival. In addition to founding Illinois' New American Theater in 1972, Sullivan has staged productions for the American Players Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northlight and the Studio Theatre in Washington, DC.

Pearl board of trustees chair, Allison Cooke Kellogg, said in a statement, "We are delighted that we have found someone with Jim Sullivan's talent, experience and dedication to classical theatre to succeed Shepard Sobel, our founding artistic director. Shep brought The Pearl and its resident acting company to life 25 years ago and, together with his wife, actress Joanne Camp, has carefully nurtured it into the pre-eminent classical repertory theatre in New York City. We are profoundly grateful to Shep and Joanne for their vision, dedication and fortitude in building The Pearl and look forward to working with Jim to bring The Pearl's legacy to new audiences."

The Pearl Theatre Company is located at 80 St. Marks Place (at First Avenue) in the East Village. For more information visit www.pearltheatre.org.