Virginia Rep's Artistic Director to Step Down

Virginia Repertory Theatre announces the formation of a Leadership Transition Task Force to begin the search process for a new Artistic Director. After 40 years as a founding artistic leader of Virginia Repertory Theatre (formerly Theatre IV and Barksdale Theatre), Bruce Miller has announced that he will step aside as Artistic Director in July of 2016, "For four decades I've had the best job in the world. It's time to share it with someone new. I look forward to assisting and supporting the new Artistic Director in whatever way I can." Miller will be pursuing new job opportunities at Virginia Rep to lead efforts in development and education.

In 1975 Miller and Managing Director, Phil Whiteway, founded Theatre IV as the first professional children's theater in Virginia. What began as a small touring group with a focus on education and children's health and safety, has evolved to become the second largest nonprofit children's theater in America, (based on annual audience) known for its educational touring arm and acclaimed season of mainstage productions for children and families. In 2001, Bruce Miller and Phil Whiteway also assumed leadership roles at Barksdale Theatre. Founded in 1953 by Pete Kilgore, Muriel McAuley and four other actors from New York, Barksdale Theatre was Central Virginia's first professional performing arts organization. For eleven years Barksdale and Theatre IV shared management and some resources, but continued to operate as two separate nonprofit organizations with two boards and separate budgets. The two theatres formerly merged in July of 2012 to form Virginia Repertory Theatre.

The Leadership Transition Task Force is comprised of nine board members. Immediate Past President of the board, Don Garber is chairing the committee and commented on the process, "We will be looking both locally and in the national market for potential candidates. Thanks to the vision of both Bruce and Phil, Virginia Rep is in a great position to become a regional theatre of national standing. We are very excited, and expect a large number of exceptional applicants. We are seeking the individual best equipped to lead our company to the next level of excellence."

All interested parties should visit www. http://va-rep.org/employment.html for more details on the position and application process.

With a an annual operating budget of $5 million, four distinct venues, an educational touring company and an annual audience of approximately 530,000, Virginia Rep is the largest professional theater and one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia. Virginia Rep produces three adult seasons and one children's season. The Signature Season at the historic Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre in downtown Richmond includes an eclectic mix of award-winning dramas, iconic musicals and new works. The Hanover Tavern Season includes heartwarming comedies and small-scale musicals in an intimate setting. Virginia Rep's Children's Theatre at Willow Lawn stages energetic plays and musicals including childhood classics, holiday shows and historic biographies. The nationally renowned touring arm presents educational programming in schools throughout Virginia, and in 32 states. In addition, Virginia Rep partners with Cadence Theatre Company to produce contemporary award-winning theatre in the 80-seat Theatre Gym.

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