From Sun reporter Jennifer Choi ...

After more than seven years as the artistic director of Baltimore Shakespeare Festival, James Kinstle bids adieu on April 30.

During his tenure at the company, Kinstle helped expand its budget and k-12 education program and increased the number of works produced. During his tenure, the organization became the first Maryland theatre company to receive a National Endowment for the Arts Shakespeare in American Communities grant, for its coming production, The Winter’s Tale.

After his departure, Kinstle plans to teach theatre-related classes and seminars in school and business settings, consult for other theatrical companies, and return to acting—he’ll play Petrucchio in Baltimore Shakespeare Festival’s summer production of The Taming of the Shrew.

Above: Sun file photo of James Kinstle