Keith Dahlgren Steps Down as Seattle Public Theater's Managing Director

Seattle Public Theater has begun the search for a new Managing Director, after Keith Dahlgren announced his plans to step down after seven years. Dahglren's time at the theater has been marked by both artistic and organizational successes: subscriptions, ticket sales, contributed income and registration for the theater's outstanding youth programs have all increased steadily. The organization is financially stable, with a growing board and staff. The theater's mainstage productions, under the leadership of Artistic and Education Director Shana Bestock, have achieved consistent critical acclaim.

"I don't know if Seattle realizes the treasure it has in Keith Dahlgren," says Bestock. "He has chosen an unassuming, behind-the-scenes role, but thanks to his integrity and leadership, we have been able to continue the tradition of great theater at the Bathhouse and change the lives of countless kids and families."

"Keith has been a phenomenal leader for Seattle Public Theater," says board president Neill Warfield. "He brought enormous respect and trust to a small and growing organization, as well as a deep knowledge of what it takes to run a theater successfully."

The board has appointed a search committee, headed by Tonia Steed, and is advertising both locally and nationally. "You never want to lose a leader of Keith's caliber," says Warfield, "but, thanks in large part to his leadership, we are in a stronger position than we could imagined seven years ago." Bestock agrees: "He leaves the staff in a great place - with a solid sense of self and history and a clear eye to the future."

Dahlgren himself is committed to supporting a successful transition, and optimistic about the theater's future: "SPT remains a strong, vibrant place for youth and adults to play and be challenged, and I will continue to be a patron and its biggest fan."

Seattle Public Theater (SPT) is a mid-size, 501 (c) (3) non-profit professional theater on the shores of Green Lake. Specializing in main stage theater and youth theater education, SPT is dedicated to inspiring community through intimate, powerful professional theater and dynamic education programs.