Nonprofit residency program SPACE on Ryder Farm has named Kelly M. Burdick as its new executive director. She takes over from acting executive director Allyson Davis and officially succeeds co-founder and founding executive director Emily Simoness.
Burdick most recently served on the leadership team at the American Shakespeare Center. She has previously worked with the Classical Theatre of Harlem and its Uptown Shakespeare in the Park.
Based in the Hudson Valley in upstate New York, SPACE has served artists, playwrights, filmmakers, activists and other changemakers since it was founded in 2011. Different residency programs are offered and cater to creatives as well as institutions. SPACE provides participants in creative residencies (for individuals and small groups) with housing, artistic and administrative resources to work on their projects.
SPACE has been home to a number of Broadway notables — such as Lucas Hnath, Young Jean Lee, Martyna Majok, Dave Malloy, Adam Rapp and Sarah Ruhl — and Tony Award winners — such as Linda Cho. Michael R. Jackson was a resident while developing his Tony-winning Best Musical “A Strange Loop.” Roundabout Theatre Company has also participated in SPACE’s institutional residency, which offers time and space for workshopping commissions, strategic planning and more.
Along with its programs, artists in residence at SPACE work to sustain and preserve one of the oldest family farms on the East Coast of the United States. Residents act as stewards of the farm, which provides dining opportunities as well as performances. In addition to her theatrical background, Burdick recently earned her certificate in plant medicine.
“I am thrilled to join the team at SPACE,” Burdick said in a statement. “From the moment I stepped on to the fertile soil of Ryder Farm, I could feel the creative energy permeating the grounds and buildings. It is an honor to be invited to work with the dedicated staff and steadfast Board of Directors to bring SPACE into its next phase. I’m excited to see what we can grow, together.”
