(Fredericton) – Theatre New Brunswick is pleased to welcome award-winning musician and composer Michael Doherty as the company’s artist in residence for the 2015-2016 season. Doherty has a long association with TNB.  His work as sound designer, composer, musical director, conductor, writer and at times as an actor have had an enormous impact on shaping the company’s work over the past decade.

As artist in residence, Doherty will focus on writing a series of original compositions for projects spanning the next two season a TNB.

“During Michael’s time in residence, he will be focusing on three projects,” said TNB artistic director Thomas Morgan Jones.  “The first two projects are this season’s You Play Beautifully and The Space Between.  Both of these productions require comprehensive scores and we wanted to be able to support Michael in his writing period beyond a normal rehearsal process.”

You Play Beautifully will open the company’s 2015-2016 season.  This world-premiere production will be the first held in the newly renovated TNB Studio Theatre at 55 Whiting Road.  TNB Young Company will tour The Space Between to New Brunswick schools and communities from February to April 2016 exposing students not only to the magic of live theatre but also to an original score written by one of the province’s leading theatre composers.

“Michael has already begun composing You Play Beautifully, and will now have four months to write and dream about the sounds of the play,” said Jones.  “The same is true of the Young Company play which will begin rehearsals in January.  We are also thrilled that Michael will work on a new musical in the final third of his residency – a modernization of a classic Greek myth, with new music and lyrics written by Michael.  To have an artist of Michael’s passion and standard in residence is a true gift to our company, and we are so looking forward to the year ahead.”

TNB’s 2015-2016 artist in residence program is supported through a grant received from ArtsNB.