Theater News

Jill MacLean Named Young Conservatory Director at American Conservatory Theater

MacLean succeeds Craig Slaight.

Jill MacLean is the new Young Conservatory director at American Conservatory Theater.
Jill MacLean is the new Young Conservatory director at American Conservatory Theater.
(photo provided by Charles Zukow Associates)

American Conservatory Theater has named Jill MacLean the new director of the company's Young Conservatory.

MacLean succeeds Craig Slaight, who recently retired after 29 years. MacLean begins her role as the inaugural holder of the newly endowed Craig Slaight Young Conservatory Directorship, established by A.C.T. trustees and Young Conservatory parents, with a lead gift made by Laurie and Jeff Ubben.

"I am thrilled to join the A.C.T. family in my new role," MacLean said in a statement. "Combining my love of education and theater, while tapping into the rich artistic resources in the Bay Area and beyond, is a dream come true."

MacLean holds a multicultural teaching credential in Spanish and a master of fine arts degree in musical theater, and has experience as a director, actor, producer, and arts program administrator in New York and the San Francisco Bay Area. At Lincoln Center Theater, MacLean served as the Directors Lab Assistant for five years, in addition to working as a teaching artist, Education Associate, and Interim Associate Director of Education. In 2008-12, she served on the faculty at the Young Conservatory, teaching acting, musical theater, and acting workshops for all age levels.