The Missouri Repertory Theatre in Kansas City is beginning a nationwide search for a candidate for the newly created position of resident artistic director of theatres, which includes being producing artistic director of Missouri Repertory Theatre.

Current artistic director, George Keathley, 73, will retire in May 2000. Current executive director of Missiouri Rep and vice provost of cultural events at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Jim Costin will relinquish his duties as executive director of the Rep to the incoming artistic director.

The producing artistic director will oversee operation of the theatre as well as having artistic and administrative responsibilities at the University of Missouri Kansas City's Department of Theatre.

The Missouri Repetory Theatre produces classic and new plays in a September-May season. 1998-1999 season productions will include Royal Hunt of the Sun, A Christmas Carol, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, The Miracle Worker, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and WMKS: That Old Time Radio.

-- By Christine Ehren