Maureen Heffernan**†

Maureen is delighted to be returning to Florida Repertory Theatre where, as a member of the Ensemble of Artists, she has directed over 10 productions including Dancing at Lughnasa, Sylvia and The Little Foxes all of which received praise from the Wall Street Journal among other critics. Over the past 30 years, Maureen has directed more than 90 professional theatrical productions nationally. Besides Florida Rep, some of her favorite theaters include New York’s John Houseman Theater and Ensemble Studio Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory Company, and Pennsylvania Stage Company. Maureen also served as Artistic Director for George Street Playhouse in New Jersey, and as Acting Artistic Director at Delaware Theater Company. Maureen has been recognized as a leader in arts education throughout the country and as an innovator in arts programming for special populations. She was the founding Artistic Director of the Unlimited Potential Theater Company of Very Special Arts in New Jersey.  She also inaugurated the Drama Therapy Program for the Center for Cognitive Rehabilitation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Maureen is a member of the faculty of the School of Arts and Communication at The College of New Jersey where she teaches Integrated Visual and Performing Arts. Most recently at the college, Maureen left the directing chair to appear on stage playing Benjamin Franklin in an all female production of the musical 1776. Maureen is a proud member of both Actors Equity Association and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.