59E59 Theaters Appoints New Artistic Director | Playbill

News 59E59 Theaters Appoints New Artistic Director The current artistic director and executive producer will step down from their respective roles at the Off-Broadway theatre this spring.
Val Day

59E59 Theaters announced that Val Day has been appointed the new artistic director effective May 7. Elysabeth Kleinhans, artistic director, and Peter Tear, executive producer, will step down from their roles at the Drama Desk Award-winning Off-Broadway theatre. Day is a longtime agent with William Morris and ICM.

59E59 Theaters is currently in the swing of its 2017 winter season. The shows on offer at the multi-theatre midtown venue include Made in China, a puppet musical about consumerism; the award-winning solo play Albatross; and the LaBute New Theater Festival.

READ MORE: A PUPPET MUSICAL AND NEIL LABUTE FESTIVAL TAPPED FOR 59E59 LINEUP

“With the selection of our new artistic director, 59E59 Theaters moves to a new phase as we complete the planned transition from the founding team to a traditional theatre management structure, begun in 2012 with the appointment of Brian Beirne as managing director,” commented Kleinhans in a press statement. She will remain as president of the Board of Directors, and take the title of founding artistic director for The Elysabeth Kleinhans Theatrical Foundation.

Tear’s position at the theatre will not be replaced. Through May 7, he will guide the transition of artistic leadership at the theatre and will then move on to consulting and commercial producing full-time.

“Building 59E59 Theaters reputation from scratch, when no one knew who or where we were, has been the most rewarding experience of my life. The close connections with our many enthusiastic members, companies, actors, playwrights, musicians, designers and directors—and our superb staff—are special bonds I will treasure forever. It has all been tremendous fun,” commented Tear. “As I move into a new phase of my career, I wish with all my heart that 59E59 continues to fill the lives of all those who enjoy innovative and challenging theater and a great night out.”

"It is an immense honor to be joining the talented team at 59E59," added Day. "I am so gratified to be working within the unique presenting model that Elysabeth and Peter have created. The level of support they provide to other non-profits is unusually generous and provides exposure to a broad range of theatres and artists who would otherwise not be able to afford the substantial costs of producing in NYC."

For more information on 59E59 Theaters, visit 59e59.org.

 
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