Theatre News Wire

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company regretfully announced today the resignation of Artistic Director Timothy Douglas effective January 31st. He plans to continue his freelance directing career and seek out more opportunities to pursue his interest in training theater professionals. Remy Bumppo announced the appointment of Mr. Douglas in October of 2010, and he officially took the reins in July of 2011 after participating in the 2011/2012 season selection and casting process.

In a letter addressed to Remy Bumppo's Board of Directors, Mr. Douglas expressed, "My time with the company has been one filled with adventure, growth, insight and clarity of purpose, provided by an extraordinary learning curve. As a result of my brief but ample tenure I came to understand that in spite of our genuine excitement for one another, I'm ultimately not a good match for the organization." He concluded, "I remain grateful to all at Remy Bumppo, as well as the greater Chicago theater community, whose enthusiastic inclusion of me into its vibrant world will feed me for the rest of my creative days."

Board President Karen Randolph who chaired the 2010 search committee says, "The hiring of Timothy as artistic director was a unanimous decision made by Remy Bumppo's board, staff and artistic associates. We were surprised by his decision, but wish him well, and hope to participate in his future."

On January 10th, Remy Bumppo's board of directors appointed Artistic Associate Nick Sandys as Artistic Director effective February 1, 2012.

"Timothy's tenure was inspiring, brief but valuable," said Nick Sandys, "and season planning with the Artistic Associates is well under way for our 2012/2013 Season. I am thrilled to continue and expand the language-driven, emotionally rich work of Remy Bumppo in that coming season. I have called this theatre home for 10 years and will bring with me my deep understanding of all that Remy Bumppo has been and a tremendous excitement for what more we can become."

Outgoing Artistic Director Timothy Douglas had planned to direct the third show of the 2011/2012 Season. As a result of Timothy Douglas' resignation, the production of Lee Blessing's one-person comedy Chesapeake, will be directed by Remy Bumppo Artistic Associate Shawn Douglass (The Importance of Being Earnest 2010, The Philadelphia Story 2007). Chesapeake runs March 28 through April 29 at the Greenhouse Theater Center located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. Press/Opening Night is Monday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. The production features Remy Bumppo Artistic Associate Greg Matthew Anderson as Kerr, a controversial performance artist who becomes a political pawn in the re-election campaign of a conservative senator.