Dan Kirsch to Leave Diversionary Theatre

The Board of Trustees of Diversionary Theatre announced today that Executive & Artistic Director Dan Kirsch will step down from his post next March.

"We are very grateful for Dan's vision, passion and leadership over the past six years," said Mary L. Stockton, Board President. "To quote one of our donors when they were informed, Dan kept the "drama to a minimum and the professionalism to a maximum." Dan has enhanced the quality of the productions, created some wonderful signature events like 'Better Homos & Gardens' and 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,' increased the professionalism of the theatre, and kept a top ranking with the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture." Diversionary is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American Theatre.

2010 marks Diversionary's 25th Anniversary. "We're more committed than ever to our mission to tell lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) stories on the stage," continued Stockton. "We'll be conducting a national search to find a new leader who will continue to grow the Theatre in accordance with our mission and vision. Dan gave the Board notice now so that we could decide as a team how best to plan for the 2011-2012 season."

Kirsch will plan the next season with the staff and Board, and will work with them on the search and transition plans. Planning the 2011-2012 season now will give the new executive director time to become familiar with the community and gain an understanding of the organization. Regarding the current season, actors and directors are in place, so everything proceeds as usual.

Kirsch doesn't have any specific plans after he leaves Diversionary. "I hope to move back to the East Coast, get some rest, and continue my creative journey," he stated. "I'm very proud of my work at Diversionary, which was only accomplished by the collaboration of so many talented people. But after six years, I feel like it's time for me to move on to new adventures. The Theatre is in a very strong place, and I'm confident that our leadership and talent will continue to celebrate and champion the courageous lives of our LGBT community."

Matthew Thomason, incoming Board President, said, "Dan has encouraged us to look at this change as an energizing, positive opportunity for Diversionary. The Theatre is fiscally sound and artistically respected - but like many organizations and businesses, the economy has affected our ticket sales and donations. We have responded quickly to the budget changes, and we've stayed steady, but we need everyone's continued support to remain successful during this time of change and the upcoming transition." While Diversionary has had major gifts willed to it in recent years, like many not-for-profit organizations during the shift in the economy, it has had to do more with less. "We have a mortgage, we need to maintain the building, and we need to keep the artistic quality high," said Thomason. Diversionary's annual operating budget is $525,000.

In a message to donors and artists, Kirsch expressed his thanks. "Thank you for the privilege to lead Diversionary. What's made the job so incredible is I believe with my whole heart that the work we do is important for LGBT culture - for us to remember why Diversionary needed to be started in 1986. I'd like to quote Nancy Pelosi from a recent interview that she did - her words speak for me: "the gratitude we have to those who went before, and the responsibility we have to those who come after.""

Kirsch continued, "Thank you to the artists of Diversionary who share their creative energy. Thank you to the community leaders and board members who provide wisdom and guidance. Thank you to everyone who contributes time and dollars to ensure our stories be told. And thank you to the loyal audiences who inspire us to keep telling our stories. My legacy will be in the work we did together, exploring the diversity of our communities and art forms through projects like Dance/Theatre and Sextet, and through shows like Bluebonnet Court, Gaytino! and As Much As You Can. I loved bringing Yank! to Diversionary, and loved the opportunity to commission and premiere The Daddy Machine and Dear Harvey. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this community and to share my creative journey with you."

Diversionary Theatre was started in 1986. The mission of the theatre is to produce plays with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender themes that portray characters in their complexity and diversity both historically and contemporarily. The current offering, Anita Bryant Died For Your Sins, closes November 21. Productions ahead include Santa Claus is Coming Out (December 4-21), Fair Use (February 24-March 13) and the world premiere of Dooley (May 5-29).

The Board and staff of Diversionary are: Mary L. Stockton, Board President; Matthew Thomason, Incoming Board President; Doug Bradley, Treasurer; board members Monica Bradley, Camille Davidson, Seth Krosner, Bill McClain, Victoria Person, January Riddle and Catherine Strada. Managing Director Bret Young has been at Diversionary for eight years, and Patron Services Manager Travis Guss has been on staff for 4-1/2 years.

For more information about Diversionary, visit their website at www.diversionary.org or call the box office at 619.220.0097.