Hurwitz is New NYMF Exec. Dir.; Seeking Managing Dir.

Kris Stewart, who has served as Executive Director of the New York Musical Theatre Festival since its inception in 2004, has left his post as of January 2, 2008, ending a 5-year tenure that moved the festival artistically from regional to national prominence.  Isaac Robert Hurwitz, 29, who served as the Festival's Director of Programming during its first season before assuming the role of Executive Producer, will lead the company as it enters its fifth season.

Stewart, 33, was acting as Executive Director of the National Music Theater Network (NMTN) when he conceived the Festival in 2003.  Originally intended to be a co-production platform for many of New York's resident new musical theatre companies (such as NMTN), it evolved into the industry's premier production opportunity for independent writers and producers.

In a statement, Executive Producer Isaac Robert Hurwitz said, "I want to thank Kris for his extraordinary energy and ingenuity, which made it possible for us to accomplish incredible things in four short years.  Not only have we launched more than 130 new musicals, but we've managed to improve the quality of the services we've provided each year, making the festival an attractive home for both award-winning artists and complete newcomers. Kris has been a wonderful partner and I'll miss working with him--but I'm grateful that he's leaving us in such a strong position.  It's an exciting moment for NYMF, as we approach the half-decade mark, and we're fortunate to be able to start taking a longer-term view of our accomplishments and our goals.  I'm excited to continue working to ensure not only that the festival is better than ever this September, but also that NYMF stays an affordable, effective, and professional launching pad for the next generation of musical theater writers, artists and producers for years to come."

In its first four seasons, the festival premiered 133 new musicals, along with nearly 350 readings, workshops, concerts, and other special events.  Multiple shows have enjoyed a further life following their success at NYMF, including [title of show], Altar Boyz, The Big Voice: God or Merman, Captain Louie, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Gutenberg! The Musical, Shout! the Mod Musical, Meet John Doe, Midlife! The Crisis Musical (The Eyes Are The First Thing To Go, NYMF '04), Nerds://A Musical Software Satire, Next to Normal (Feeling Electric, NYMF '05) and Party Come Here, among others.  In 2007, attendance at the Festival increased for the fourth consecutive year, up to 40,000 from 36,400 in 2006, and the budget for NYMF has grown 300% since its first year in 2004.

The staffing change makes possible a larger restructuring designed to accommodate the recent growth and year-round operations of the festival.  Executive Producer Isaac Robert Hurwitz will lead the company, which is beginning a search to hire a managing director.

Submissions are open for the festival's fifth season, which will run from September 15 to October 5, 2008.  Submission information can be found on the NYMF website www.nymf.org.