To find a new artistic director, the Salem Theatre Company promoted from within its close-knit ranks. It recently hired John Fogle, former president of STC's board and a theater veteran who has directed several shows for the company.

Fogle, of Marblehead, has a long history with live theater on the North Shore and the Boston region: In 1975, he cofounded the Mugford Street Players in Marblehead, which is still going strong; and he ran the Barton Square Playhouse in Salem in 1982 and '83. He has produced, directed and designed dozens of productions for area theaters, including The Lyric Stage, The Gloucester Stage Company, The Charles Playhouse, Wharf Rat Productions, the Salem Theatre Company and more.

In April, he retired from Promosis Inc., a promotions marketing firm where he was a partner, freeing up time to take the Salem Theatre position, which begins Sept. 1.

"I'm thrilled and delighted that John will be taking on the role," said Dominick Pangallo, president of STC's board of directors. "He has extensive experience on-stage and backstage. He's been a part of the Salem Theatre Company family, in one part or another, since its inception, and he's familiar with the group and the work we like to do."

Dominick Pangallo is the twin brother of Matteo Pangallo, founding artistic director of STC, who as a student worked with Fogle when he was a drama coach at Marblehead High School.

Fogle said finding a permanent space for the 7-year-old theater company is high on his list of priorities.

Last year, STC put on plays at the Griffen Theatre in Salem, but scheduling conflicts will prevent that in 2009 and 2010. Instead, some main-stage productions will be held at First Church of Salem and Marblehead Little Theatre. Side-stage productions will take place in Salem, on the deck of The Friendship and on the bricks at Derby Square. The company even had a recent "Shakespeare Open Mic" at the Gulu-Gulu Cafe.

"Space is the big elephant in the room — where to find a space that we can begin to call our own," Fogle said. "We're constantly looking."

While developing season eight, Fogle said he will simultaneously concentrate on maintaining STC's reputation for high-quality shows and continue its good relationship with its audience.

A major goal, he said, is to develop a "vigorous" theater-education program for teens and adults.

He proposed classes that meet for six to eight weeks and intensive one-week workshops that bring actors, directors and playwrights together with skilled teachers.

"I'm hoping by January 2010 we'll have a meaningful theater education program in place," said Fogle, who first developed the InterActing drama program at Marblehead High School 15 years ago.

"I believe in theater education as a very valuable tool for young people," said Fogle, adding that classes will harness the collective energy of students.