Kate Whoriskey Departs Intiman as Artistic Director Due to Theater's Financial Struggles

As BroadwayWorld reported back in February, Seattle's Intiman Theatre has been going though hard times financially for several months.  This winter, the organization as it is now calling for the support of the public in order to solve its issues. The theatre, which was $1 million in debt, was attemping to raise $500,000 by April, and a second $500,000 by September. As of November the theatre's debt stood at $2.3 million. Since then, over $800,000 had been raised.

The New York Times reports today that in light of the troubles, newly appointed Artistic Director, Kate Whoriskey, has decided to part ways with the institution and is heading back to New York to resume freelance directing.  Whorisky had been appointed by previous Intiman Artistic Director Bartlett Sher to take his place last year.  

Says Whorisky in the New York Times: "I've never been in a position where I've had to tell so many people that they don't have work, and it's very hard."  She said that she would be open to a rehire in the future, though no decisions have been made on either side.

To read the full report in the New York Times, click here.

Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey and Acting Managing Director Melaine Bennett have spoken about the situation in two new videos released by Intiman.

Intiman produces classic American stories, world masterpieces, contemporary plays and adventurous new writing. The recipient of the 2006 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the theatre is nationally recognized for its exceptional leadership, its work on stage, and for serving its audiences and community through civic partnerships, unique collaborations and arts-education programs for students, families and adults.

In recent years, Intiman's achievements have been saluted nationally and locally. In 2004, the theatre was the first Washington State company to be honored as a Leading National Theatre by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The Municipal League of King County named Intiman Organization of the Year (the first arts organization to be so honored) at its 2006 Civic Awards, recognizing its outstanding contributions to the community. That same year, Intiman was honored with the Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the most prestigious award given in the nonprofit theatre field.

Kate Whoriskey, one of the most adventurous directors in the American Theatre today, became Intiman's Artistic Director in 2010. Her production of Lynn Nottage's Ruined, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play about violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, became the second-best-selling show in the theatre's history after its extended run this summer. Inspired by the play's message of unlikely hope and indomitable spirit, Intiman's staff and community came together for numerous programs designed to raise awareness about this conflict, including a successful Run/Walk for Congo Women.

Today, Intiman continues to produce plays and outreach activities that are surprising, relevant and encourage conversation, activism and a personal connection between the theatre and its audiences. Intiman supports diverse voices and unique collaborations that allow audiences to experience worlds that are different from their own, and then make a connection back to themselves through dialogue both at the theatre and in a range of community programs. In all of its activities, Intiman remains dedicated to making well-crafted work that speaks to our times.

For additional information, visit: www.Intiman.org.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos