FREEPORT

Freeport Players has a new executive director — Janie Downey Maxwell.

Well known in the Portland-area theater community, the Cape Elizabeth resident has been involved with Portland Players and Lyric Theater — as well as Freeport Players — during the past several years. Maxwell is experienced in directing, props, costumes and producing, and has a history of management at non-theatrical organizations. In addition, she created and led a children’s drama program at Cumberland schools.

“I’m thrilled to be working with the Freeport Players board as executive director,” Maxwell said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to using my creative and organizational skills to continue their tradition of producing wonderful community theater for the greater Freeport area.”

Freeport Players Board President Scott Miller said the organizations was “excited” to have her in the role.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and ability to the job and is clearly an exceptional person to lead Freeport Players,” he said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to all she will bring to the greater Freeport community.”

Maxwell will jump right into the job, helping with the summer production of Six One- Act plays, taking place through July 29 at Freeport Performing Arts Center on Holbrook Street. She will produce the fall play — “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight” — and direct “Radio” in December.

Freeport Players is a nonprofit theater organization that operates predominately on volunteer energy and labor. It was established in 1989 and has continued to produce plays, musicals, and other theater offerings continuously. To learn more about the group, visit its Facebook page or go to fcponline.org.