La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director named new Vice President of Disney Theme Parks Worldwide

Hamburger to Lead Creative Development of Global Theme Park Entertainment at Disney Parks and Resorts

Anne Hamburger has been named as the new executive vice president of Creative Entertainment for Disney's Parks and Resorts business, it was announced today by Paul Pressler, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Hamburger succeeds Disney veteran Ron Logan, who will retire in January 2001.

Hamburger, who is the artistic director of La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, Calif., will be responsible for driving the creative strategy for all live entertainment at Disney's theme parks worldwide. Hamburger will report directly to Pressler and will be based at the company's Burbank offices.

As artistic director of La Jolla Playhouse, Hamburger was responsible for a six-play season, during which she led the development of programming from creative conceit to fully mounted productions on the Playhouse stages.

Prior to this, Hamburger was founder and executive producer of En Garde Arts, the internationally recognized off-Broadway theater company she directed from 1986 to 1999. Under Hamburger's leadership, En Garde Arts received seven Obie Awards, an Outer Critics Circle Award and two Drama Desk Awards.

"We're thrilled to have an executive of Anne's creative caliber join our organization," said Pressler. "Her experience in developing theatrical programming from inception to production, and her relationships with a host of talented writers, composers, directors and designers from around the world, will enable her to continue to push the envelope on our legacy of innovative entertainment."

Peter Schneider, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, commented: "Anne is well recognized for her exceptional work and creative excellence. I look forward to working with her to bring new and exciting live entertainment and theatrical experiences to our Disney parks around the globe."

Hamburger, 46, holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Massachusetts and a master of fine arts degree from Yale University.

-- Posted July 20, 2000

Source: Company press release