John Wilkerson

John Wilkerson has been named artistic director for Artisan Center Theater, effective Aug 1.

In his new position, Wilkerson will be responsible for all artistic development for the theater located in Hurst. In addition, he will serve as advisor for the theater’s new acting academy and educational outreach programs. He also will direct four productions in 2010 for Artisan Center Theater.

Wilkerson co-founded with his wife, Margaret Shafer, the Musical Theater Institute of Dallas, a private acting and vocal academy. He also toured with The Three Redneck Tenors, a comedy musical troupe. At Artisan Center Theater, he recently directed My Fair Lady and will direct an upcoming production of The Mikado.

Wilkerson received a bachelor of music education degree from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, now Shenandoah University. He completed his graduate work in vocal performance at the State University of New York, and he also placed third in a Metropolitan Opera competition.

His Broadway credits include Abby’s Song, State Fair with John Davidson, Andrea McArdle and Donna McKechnie, and Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby. His career has spanned teaching voice, music theory and music appreciation at every level; directing numerous theatrical productions; and coaching tennis and football.

Artisan Center Theater, a non-profit community theater, was founded in 2003. The theater’s focus is family-friendly productions and Artie’s Playhouse, a special series of children’s plays.