Your Theatre Introduces New Staff Director James Sanguinetti

James Sanguinetti debuts as the newest Your Theatre, Inc. staff director with Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things playing weekends Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 22 at Your Theatre in New Bedford.

From earliest stage experiences at New Bedford High School and his apprenticeship with the New Bedford Festival Theatre, Sanguinetti put down roots in Massachusetts arts communities that he has nurtured ever since. After years of directing and performing improv in the Boston area, Sanguinetti returned to the New Bedford stage when he was cast in Your Theatre’s Mauritius in 2018. The following year, that show’s director, Larry Houbre, “had confidence in me and cast me in the lead in 39 Steps, which required a huge commitment, but allowed me to flourish,” said Sanguinetti, “and I also had the honor of being contacted by the late Ed Maguire for the role of the Ratcatcher in Kindertransport.”

Sanguinetti drew upon his experience with improv and his actor’s perspective to move into directing. “I’ve always been fascinated with how a play grows from just words on a page to this living breathing production,” he explained. Through Your Theatre’s director development program, Sanguinetti served as stage manager for Three Viewings, and directed two short plays: David Ives’ The Philadelphia, under the Rotch-Jones-Duff tent in June 2021, and in October 2021, Finders Keepers, part of an evening of George Kelly plays on Your Theatre’s indoor stage.

The Shape of Things will be Sanguinetti’s first mainstage production for Your Theatre. “The reward has been to see this intricate production emerge from literally an empty stage,” he noted. “It’s been amazing to see the cast, crew, and support staff go out of their way to help me make my vision happen.”

Your Theatre is grateful to Southcoast Health, production supporter for The Shape of Things, and to Bank 5, sponsor of the theatre's current 75th season.

For the safety of all who attend Your Theatre performances, all cast, crew, volunteers, and audience members will follow YTI's Covid-19 protocols. Proof of vaccination is no longer required, but masks must be worn while at the theatre regardless of vaccination status.

The Shape of Things runs two weekends only: Fridays and Saturdays, May 13-14 and 20-21 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays, May 14-15 and 21-22 at 2:30 p.m. Performances are at Your Theatre, 136 Rivet St. (County St. entrance) in New Bedford. Free parking in the St. Martin's Church lot, next to the church hall (theatre) on the south side of the church. Tickets are General Admission $18; Seniors, Students and Military Personnel $15. All seats are reserved; call 508-993-0772 or email boxoffice@yourtheatre.org. Due to adult language and sexual content, The Shape of Things is intended for mature audiences.

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