Fri. November 9, 2007
Chicago, IL -
Eric Rosen, the co-founder and artistic director of About Face Theatre, is leaving Chicago for an artistic director's post at Kansas City Repertory Theatre beginning in the 2008-2009 season. The announcement was made Tuesday by About Face Theatre, the group he co-founded with Kyle Hall in 1995.
"Leaving my role with About Face and my beloved Chicago home was an incredibly difficult decision, and it took an opportunity like Kansas City - a chance to head up a major regional theatre in a community bustling with energy and vitality - to persuade me," said Rosen.
About Face Theatre, a nationally recognized theatre located, is known for fostering the work of Chicago artists and its work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and question youth of Chicago. The company plans an immediate, national search for a new artistic leader.
An important contributor to Chicago's vibrant theatre community, the 37-year-old Rosen plans to stay involved with the company throughout the transition and plans to contribute as an artist, as a member of the theatre's Board of Directors, and as Founding Artistic Director.
"This is a defining moment for About Face, probably the most important moment for our company since our founding in 1995," explained Rosen.
During his tenure at About Face Theatre, Rosen has conceived, written, and directed a number of world premieres and award-winning plays. Rosen's latest play Wedding Play opened this week at the Steppenwolf Garage and runs through December 2nd.
"Kansas City Rep is about to begin an exciting new adventure under the leadership of one of America's most gifted and highly regarded artistic leaders," said William C. Nelson, chairman of the board of directors of Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Rosen earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in performance studies from Northwestern University. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including a Human Rights Campaign Community Leadership Award and a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)/Theatre Communication Group (TCG) Career Development Fellowship for Directors.
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