Westport Country Playhouse Managing Director Michael Ross to Depart This Summer

Westport Country Playhouse announces that effective June 30, 2016, Michael Ross will step down as managing director. He will rejoin the prestigious Center Stage in Baltimore, Maryland, as managing director on July 1, having previously served in that role from 2002 to 2008. He will take the helm from current managing director, Stephen Richard, who will retire on June 30.

"Michael's accomplishments during his tenure at the Playhouse have helped light up this historic theater," said Barbara Streicker, chair of the Playhouse Board of Trustees. "He has built an amazing staff here. He has championed community engagement initiatives, sparked subscription and single ticket sales, inspired fundraising efforts, and is a well-known and respected leader in Westport and beyond. Michael has put the Playhouse on a positive path towards a bright future."

The Westport Country Playhouse Board of Trustees has begun the search for a new managing director. Ross will be part of the search team and will work with the Playhouse board and staff for a smooth transition prior to his departure. Streicker said, "We are thankful that Michael will be here for the next six months helping the board and artistic director Mark Lamos in planning for the leadership transition."

Lamos joined the Playhouse with Ross in 2009 and together they have produced over 30 of the Playhouse's most exciting shows. "Michael has been an amazing partner. I am proud of the work we have done together and I am delighted for the wonderful opportunity he has to return to a city he loves---and for the chance to team up with a brilliant artistic director in Kwame Kwei-Armah," said Lamos, adding that "Michael has given the Playhouse so much, and he's put so many things into place that have contributed to our continuing growth. We are very lucky that he will be with us through the big opening of our 2016 season in the spring."

The Westport Country Playhouse 2016 season begins on May 3 with "Art" and "Red" in repertory, both directed by Mark Lamos.

Photo by Kathleen O'Rourke