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It is extraordinarily gratifying to look back over our first year and see all we have accomplished together. From its humble beginnings around my kitchen table, Forward Theater has become a professional arts organization with strong leadership, sound business plans, and a reputation for outstanding creative work.

In early 2009, Forward Theater was just an idea – one that I felt compelled to act on. Three events spurred me into action: the U.S. economy took a dramatic tumble; political and civic leaders on the local, state and national levels urged artists to help find creative solutions to the crisis; and the Madison Repertory Theatre closed its doors.

Back in the glory days of my theater career, I worked frequently at the Madison Rep. At that time (the 1980s) it was possible to hop around southern Wisconsin, going from one Equity theater to another, cobbling together a living. As the years went by I watched in sadness as many of these theaters closed. I mourned the fact that so many brilliant theater artists had started their careers in Madison, built an audience, and honed their skills, but were now unable to find work here.  Some relocated to bigger cities with more opportunities. Some quit the profession altogether.

The closing of the Madison Rep was the last straw. A sense of urgency began to well up in me. Madison ‑ capitol of the state of Wisconsin, home of the Wisconsin Idea, the place where government, business and the arts work hand in hand to create a better way of life for its citizenry ‑ Madison had lost its only professional theater. It was unthinkable! The city that was home to theater programs at the University of Wisconsin, MATC, and Edgewood College (not to mention the Bolz School for Arts Administration) now had no place for graduating students to begin their professional lives. The Overture Center and downtown establishments had lost a business partner, along with all its patrons. This would further weaken Madison’s economy. Something had to be done!

On March 22, 2009, I gathered a group of local theater professionals who had made southern Wisconsin their home. Each of them believed that professional theater was an essential part of the fabric of life in Madison. Individually their contributions had made that possible. Together they brought decades of experience and insight to the table.

“What should we do?” I asked.

“Create a theater,” they answered.

And Forward Theater Company was born. It was immediately clear that we had all come to the same conclusion; a theater is most vital and alive when the audience, artists, board, and staff communicate openly and freely, trusting in one another.  In just a few short hours, we named our theater, wrote our mission statement, and created our three-legged governing structure. It was at that time that the job of managing director was entrusted to me.

The amount of work we all completed in one incredible, demanding year is nothing short of awe inspiring. My partner throughout this journey was Jennifer Uphoff Gray, FTC’s artistic director… What a joyous miracle she is. It has been an honor to follow her lead. Now in year two, the administrative staff has been expanded to three dynamic, creative and passionate people. Our organization feels strong and well rounded. It’s time to soar!

So now I find myself in the wonderful position of tendering my resignation. I do so with the happy knowledge that the job will be filled by Sarah Marty, a talented, knowledgeable, and hard working arts advocate who has already made a great contribution to theater in Madison.

I will take my place on the Advisory Company, a group of truly remarkable people, both on stage and behind the scenes. Along with the original founders, it now includes younger and exciting new voices. Together we will guide the artistic mission of the organization. And of course the staff and AC will work closely with our amazing Board of Directors – a group that astonishes me with its depth of knowledge, passion, and collaborative spirit.

As my last act as managing director, it is only proper for me to personally and publicly thank the people who answered my calls for help, advice and inspiration. With their help this theater was formed.  And thank you to each and every one in the audiences of All About Eve, Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them, and Kiritsis.

With that done, I relinquish my position and look forward to new challenges as part of the Advisory Company in the coming year.

Respectfully Yours,