The Guthrie Theater has named Lauren Ignaut as director of studio theater programming. She will oversee the Guthrie's flexible space on the 9th floor, both for shows originated by the Guthrie and productions brought there by outside companies.

This position was vacated in January, when Ben McGovern stepped down after four years.

Ignaut is not a Guthrie newcomer. A Minneapolis native and a graduate of Boston University, she joined the theater's literary department in 2006, working as a dramaturg on projects that included Tony Kusher's "Tiny Kushner" in 2009.

She currently works as the Guthrie's presentations administrator, establishing ties with artists and troupes around the country and the world who present shows at the theater. Ignaut has worked in a freelance capacity for a variety of local theaters, including Emigrant, Pillsbury House, 20% Theatre Company and The Playwrights' Center.

"Lauren will bring a new spirit to the studio," said Joe Dowling, director of the Guthrie, in a statement. "Her experience with guest companies will be invaluable as we continue these relationships and establish new ones, and she will bring the energy of the younger generation to the studio's continuing mission."

The studio theater has hosted work by Live Action Set, Pillsbury House, Jon Ferguson and others. Though often used to house visiting local companies, the Guthrie has ventured its own productions in the studio, including Samuel Beckett's "Happy Days," starring Sally Wingert, Adam Rapp's "The Edge of Our Bodies" and Conor McPherson's "The Birds."

(Photo of Lauren Ignaut by Hannah Grundhoefer)