It was announced today that Deborah Kirby, founder of Journeymen Theater will leave her position as Artistic Director at the end of the year.
The decision was based on health concerns. “This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make,” she said. “It is my hope that the theater company will continue to grow and impact the DC community in ways greater than I ever could have imagined.” She will continue to serve the company as a consultant.
The company will continue pursuing her original mission to explore social and moral issues, with Krista Cowan at the helm as Interim Artistic Director and Andrew Wassenich as Interim Producing Director.
DC Theatre Scene owes a great debt to Deborah, who founded Journeymen in 2003. At the opening of their excellent production of An Experiment with an Air Pump, she introduced Lorraine Treanor to Ronnie Ruff, who had begun this site as DC Theatre Reviews a few months earlier and it was that partnership that evolved into DC Theatre Scene. Deborah remains a great and constant friend to them both.
Congratulations to Deb for taking a theatre company whose mission statement is a little different than most, and applying it to very good theatre. It’s been a pleasure working with her, and best of luck to Krista.
Deb Kirby – what a class act!
As someone who’s worked with Deb and enjoyed her vision, it’s sad to hear she’s leaving JTE – but all best to Krista in taking the reins, and congrats to Deb for years of fine, meaningful work.
All the best to Deb—our thoughts are with you!