CREEDE — Actor, writer and director John DiAntonio, who has been Creede Repertory Theatre’s associate artistic director since September 2015, became CRT’s new executive director this week.

DiAntonio has served as the interim executive director since July 8 when Catherine Augur stepped down after nine years with the company.

As the executive director, DiAntonio will lead the CRT staff and steward the organizational mission and strategy, financial sustainability, operations, capital improvements and capacity building initiatives designed to increase the theatre’s impact on its local, regional, and national constituency.

“Working with John has always been inspiring and a ton of fun,” said Artistic Director Jessica Jackson in a press release. “His passion, work ethic, and leadership have been much admired within the CRT Company for years.”

“I am honored to serve this theatre as executive director,” DiAntonio said. “I am proud to come with a theatrical background. I know what courage and vulnerability it takes to tell stories and what it’s like to bare your soul to an audience. I know the importance of theatre, how it can change, inspire, and awaken the world.

“I am prepared to do all I can to connect CRT to more audiences, ensure its financial stability, broaden its horizons, and most importantly, build on its extraordinary legacy. I know there are mountains to climb and great leaps to take, and I look forward to leading CRT into its next half century.”