Alumna Kirsten Van Ginhoven (BA’96) with Arena Stage, a nationally recognized non-profit theatre located in Washington D.C., announced an upcoming production which she is directing called Ann. The show is based on the life of legendary Texas Governor Ann Richards.

ANN (July 11 – August 11): Punchline-packed speeches reveal the feisty and unadulterated life of legendary Texas Governor Ann Richards. Written by Emmy Award-winning actress and writer Holland Taylor (The Practice, Two and a Half Men), Ann is a comical and inspiring production based on the colourful and complex woman whose sense of humour was bigger than the state which she represented. Jayne Atkinson (House of Cards, Criminal Minds) reprises her well-received performance in this intimate, no-holds-barred comedy chronicling Richards’ legacy and how she was determined to make her mark on the world. “Frank, funny and warm” (New York Times), Ann is a captivating tribute to Richards’ life as an activist, politician and feminist champion.

As seen in Broadway World: Washington D.C.:

Kristen Van Ginhoven (Director) is the artistic director of WAM Theatre. WAM’s vision is to create opportunity for women and girls through a mission of theatre as philanthropy. WAM has donated over $56,500 to organizations taking action in girls’ education, women’s leadership, teen pregnancy prevention, sexual trafficking awareness, midwife training and more. Kristen is a member of the 2013 Lincoln Center Director’s Lab and the prestigious Michael Langham Workshop for Classical Direction at the Stratford Festival of Canada. WAM credits include Ann (co-production with Dorset Theatre Festival), In Darfur (New England premiere) and Emilie (New England premiere). Elsewhere, Kristen’s selected directing credits include Disgraced, I and You (Chester Theatre), The Whale (Adirondack Theatre Festival), 10 Minute Play Festival (Barrington Stage Company) and Petticoats of Steel (Capital Repertory Theatre). She has an MA from Emerson College, where she received the Presidential Fellowship. www.wamtheatre.com