Michael Bobbitt, a director, choreographer and playwright who has served as Adventure Theatre MTC’s Artistic Director for nearly twelve years, will leave the company in July to become Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theater in Watertown, Massachusetts, Adventure MTC announced today.
Since Bobbitt took the reins of the young person’s theater (then simply known as Adventure Theatre) in 2007, the company has been known for bold original work and for its collaboration with such well-known artists as Harry Connick, Jr. and the Marley family. In 2012, Bobbitt helped arrange a merger between Adventure and Musical Theater Center; the first project the merged group undertook was a young audience’s version of Big: The Musical, which Bobbitt co-adapted with Jeff Frank. Since the beginning of his tenure, the company has received 59 Helen Hayes nominations; it won eight times.
“I am very proud of what Adventure accomplished, especially the dozens of new works that have gone on to publishing deals and subsequent productions, pioneering Sensory Friendly productions which are being modeled all over the globe, the merger with Musical Theatre Center and building an academy,” Bobbitt said. “It’s been amazing to be a part of helping children get close to their dreams of being performers, along with the off-Broadway transfers and national tours, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity work that we activated and making children’s theatre an important part of the fabric of the DC theatre scene.”
“All of this is bittersweet,” Bobbitt continued, “but New Rep’s work is about larger social and human issues, and the community loves to convene and converse about these issues, and I find that exhilarating.”
Bobbitt will succeed former Olney Artistic Director Jim Petosa in his new post.
New Repertory Theatre. “His proven track record of leading and growing Adventure Theatre-MTC will certainly help guide New Rep,” said the company’s Managing Director, Harriet Sheets. “Michael’s commitment to including all audiences and his interest in developing new works will continue to support our mission.”
“I was drawn to ATMTC by Michael’s creative vision and have been so impressed by all that he has been able to accomplish with this company,” said ATMTC Chair Leslie Miles. ““I will miss Michael in every way, but am excited to see him accept a new challenge.”
Managing Director Leon Seeman said that the company will begin its search for Bobbitt’s successor in April, with Bobbitt working with the Board of Directors to find the best fit.
This will be a sad loss to our theatre community: a multi-talented leader who brought Adventure Theatre to a professional level in the much-needed children’s theatre arena. I will miss him greatly. I do wish him well in his new position, which I’m sure will gain much from his talents and dedication.