5/29/98
ATTENTION EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS: A headshot of Vincent Cardinal may be downloaded from the Web at: http://www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/cardinal.jpg
ATHENS, Ohio -- Vincent J. Cardinal has been named director of Ohio University's School of Theater, effective July 1.
An associate professor of theater, Cardinal joined the university in 1995-96 as head of the school's Professional Dramatic Writing Program. He also directs plays off-Broadway and his plays are produced internationally.
Cardinal, 37, will continue to oversee the Dramatic Writing Program and this fall will direct the Mainstage Season production of "Disengaged" by Anita Gabrosek, who will earn a master of fine arts degree from Ohio University in June.
Citing the School of Theater's faculty of working professionals and intensive learning environment as key strengths, Cardinal said his goals include better documenting the school's already strong curriculum and continuing the trend of national recognition.
"While national recognition is important, I also am dedicated to increasing our interaction with the local and university community," Cardinal said.
Before joining Ohio University, Cardinal was an adjunct professor of dramatic writing at New York University and director of the Circle Repertory Company Theater School. He also has worked as an associate professor of theater at State University of New York College at Buffalo and as a high school teacher in northeast Ohio. He holds a bachelor's degree in English and education from Kent State University and a master of fine arts degree in playwriting from the Yale University School of Drama.
"Vincent Cardinal will bring a wealth of experience to his position as director of the School of Theater," said James Stewart, interim dean of the College of Fine Arts. "With his background as a theater professional and experience as a seasoned faculty member, he will be a first-class school director. We are fortunate to have someone of his caliber at Ohio University."
Cardinal replaces Toni Dorfman, who has served as the school's director for five years. She will join her husband, John Gaddis, in New Haven, Conn., and plans to resume her work as a director in New York City and pursue other career opportunities.
