Mark Hofflund, Managing Director, Idaho Shakespeare Festival

In his 30th year with the Festival, Mark continues to appreciate Idaho’s proud, neighborly and generous way of life. Mark’s career began at The Old Globe under Jack O’Brien, Tom Hall and Craig Noel, where he was fortunate to work with August Wilson, Lloyd Richards, Stephen Sondheim, James Lapine, Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland, Seret Scott, Velina Hasu Houston, Joan Micklin Silver, Julianne Boyd, Sheldon Epps, Raúl Moncada, Lillian Groag, Karen Hartman, Edward Albee, Deborah Salzer, Gene Saks, and Neil Simon; as well as edit his mentor Alan Schneider’s memoir Entrances (published by Viking). Joining colleague Charles Fee to plan and build the ISF Amphitheater and Reserve, Mark’s collaborations with Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Barber Valley Neighborhood Association and other organizations striving to enhance the environment make possible the experience Festival patrons enjoy at Barber Pool today. Mark’s broader service benefits students in 150 schools statewide; an Apprentice Company, Access Program, and School of Theater coming from a merger with Idaho Theater for Youth; and those involved with multi-year campaigns for institutional capitalization, collaboration, and conservation. Mark has addressed the Shakespeare Theatre Association, Institute of Outdoor Theatre (receiving the Mark R. Sumner Award), and committees of the Idaho Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives. He served a presidential appointment to the National Council on the Arts (receiving the Chairman’s Medal from Dana Gioia), filled board positions for the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and chaired the Idaho Commission on the Arts under Governors Kempthorne, Risch, and Otter. He has taught at Boise State University, received the President’s Medallion from University of Idaho, and earned degrees at Princeton and University of California, San Diego.