Preisser and McElroen to Leave Classical Theatre of Harlem

By Adam Hetrick
02 Nov 2009

Classical Theatre of Harlem founders Alfred Preisser and Christopher McElroen have announced that they will depart the 11-year-old institution later this month.

Preisser serves as artistic director, with McElroen as executive director of the Harlem company that was founded in 1999. Successors for Presser and McElroen have not been named.

"Eleven years is a long time to work at any one thing. I know that this present moment is the time to move on to something new, and to build something great with the artists and audience I've met while directing CTH," Presser said in a statement.

McElroen commented, "I am forever grateful to the dedicated artists, audiences, funders and community partners that have brought their creativity and passion in support of the first eleven seasons of the Classical Theatre of Harlem. After 11 truly remarkable years it is time to build on the experiences I've shared in at CTH and create something new."

CTH has produced 41 productions, and garnered a host of awards including the Drama Desk, Obie and Lucille Lortel honors. CTH most recently staged the Molière-inspired Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe Off-Broadway for CTH, starring André De Shields under Presser's direction.

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