After APT wins historic Tony, artistic director says it’s time to retire

Samara Kalk Derby, Wisconsin State Journal

American Players Theatre Artistic Director Brenda DeVita has announced her retirement, though she’s giving plenty of lead time.

DeVita plans to leave in December 2029, which will mark the theater company’s 50th season and her 35th at APT, the nationally renowned outdoor theater that sits on 110 wooded acres above the Wisconsin River in Spring Green.

Under her leadership, APT received the 2026 Regional Theatre Tony Award, the first time a Wisconsin theater company earned the honor. The award came with a $25,000 grant and was recognized during the 79th Tony Awards pre-show events.

DeVita began at APT as company manager in 1995, joined the leadership team as associate artistic director in 2004 and took over as artistic director in 2014.

The company's season runs from June through November, presenting nine plays in rotating repertory with an emphasis on Shakespeare and classical works.

DeVita has been instrumental in developing its Core Acting Company, the Voice and Text Program, the Acting Apprentice Program and the addition of the 201-seat indoor Touchstone Theatre in 2009.

Her leadership helped diversify APT’s acting company and artistic staff, as well as the play selection. She also led the $8 million renovation of the popular Hill Theatre in 2017, which now has 1,075 seats. She started The Language Project, a training program for early-career actors, which draws on APT’s skills to analyze and perform poetic texts.

"APT has been my whole career, and it has been an incredible gift,” DeVita said in a statement. “But I truly believe it is a great time for APT to find the next passionate leader to move our community forward. It’s the best job in the world.”

The theater’s board of directors will begin the search for DeVita’s successor this fall, and board President Robert Zellers said in a statement that he’s grateful DeVita gave them time to find a successor who will continue her dedication and commitment.

"Brenda has been an extraordinary leader for our Theatre," Zellers said. "She has earned great respect and affection from her actors and other theater artists, from her co-workers and from the APT board of directors. Her contributions to the growth and success of APT are numerous and lasting."

Before joining APT, DeVita spent eight years as a professional actor with credits across the Midwest.

She's also directed about a dozen plays at APT, including "Uncle Vanya," "Picnic," "Dancing at Lughnasa," "Love’s Labour’s Lost," "Proof" and "Mary’s Wedding."

DeVita received an honorary doctorate from Ripon College and is the recipient of the Arts Midwest Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity and Entrepreneurship.

In retirement, she's excited to spend some summer nights and weekends with her family, something she hasn't done much in the last 30 years.

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