Two key arts organizations on the Vineyard announced today that they are proposing to merge their creative talents.

The Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse and Circuit Arts issued statements Monday morning saying the organizations will soon come together as one entity.

“Today, I am thrilled to share news of another meaningful opportunity to amplify the arts on Martha’s Vineyard,” wrote Brian Ditchfield, executive director of Circuit Arts. “Over the next several months, Circuit Arts will be working with the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse to potentially combine operations into a single, creatively driven and financially sustainable arts organization.”

Today’s announcement also introduced that Brooke Hardman Ditchfield will be taking over as artistic director of the playhouse, following the retirement at the end of the year of longtime playhouse executive and artistic director MJ Bruder Munafo.

Brooke Hardman Ditchfield will take over as artistic director of the Martha's Vineyard Playhouse.

Ray Ewing

Brooke Hardman Ditchfield will take over as artistic director of the Martha's Vineyard Playhouse.

Ray Ewing

“We are also excited to announce that Brooke Hardman Ditchfield, director of Circuit Stage, has agreed to serve as artistic director of Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse during the transition period as we pursue the opportunity to combine with Circuit Arts — and take on the permanent role following completion of a merger,” the playhouse wrote.

Ms. Hardman Ditchfield, who is married to Brian Ditchfield, has long been a major figure in the Island’s theatre scene. In addition to her role at Circuit Stage, she heads up the theatre program at the regional high school.

“Brooke’s long association with the playhouse, her artistic leadership at Circuit Stage, and her work directing the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School theater program (which she will continue to lead), make her the ideal person to guide us into this new era of creative collaboration,” the playhouse press release continued.

Both organizations have made a large impact on the Island arts scene. The playhouse was founded in 1982 and ever since has served as a hub for live theatre. Ms. Bruder Munafo has been with the organization for 40 years, and led it for the last three decades. In addition to its main stage productions, the playhouse produces live shows at the Tisbury Amphitheater, including Shakespeare and the Fabulists Theatre for children.

Circuit Arts began its life as the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival, which it continues to produce each March. More recently, it has created Circuit Stage for live theatre and the Vineyard Drive In. It also has an educational component, producing the Martha’s Vineyard Children’s Theater Camp in the summer, as well as a filmmaking division.

Brian Ditchfield, left, with filmmaker Dawn Porter.

Jeanna Shepard

Brian Ditchfield, left, with filmmaker Dawn Porter.

Jeanna Shepard

“Under the proposed structure, the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse will keep its identity and become part of the Circuit Arts family of brands, much like the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival,” Mr. Ditchfield wrote.

The leadership teams at both organizations also have a long history of working together.

“I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to MJ Bruder Munafo, the playhouse’s longtime executive and artistic director, who will retire at the end of this year,” Mr. Ditchfield wrote. “She has been a mentor to me since I was a kid, and she welcomed Brooke and me with open arms when we returned to the Island 18 years ago. With MJ at its helm for three decades, the playhouse has benefited immeasurably, and we are honored to carry that legacy forward.”