Mudlark Theater’s board today announced plans to search for a new executive director to replace Michael Miro, who’s planning to step down from that role at the Evanston organization later this fall.
In his eight years of service at the non-profit youth theater, Mudlark Board President Judy Kemp said, Miro has been the architect of Mudlark’s growth from a tiny nonprofit to a thriving arts organization serving thousands of Evanston kids.
This massive programmatic expansion and organizational growth has included after-school programs at nearly every school in Evanston, the co-creation of Mudpie, Mudlark’s annual flagship production and strategic partnerships with numerous non-profits and local businesses throughout Evanston.
He has also personally taught classes at almost every school in Evanston and directed over 25 productions.
“Michael will be sorely missed,” Kemp said. “Under his leadership, Mudlark has reached new heights and built a foundation for a very bright future. Our incredibly talented and dedicated staff will work with a new executive director to continue Michael’s legacy of creating exciting theater and education programs that build character, on stage and off.”
Miro plans, as executive director emeritus, to help ensure a smooth leadership transition, advise on the implementation of Mudlark’s new strategic plan and aid in the theater’s ongoing search for a new performance space.
Miro, in an email to the Mudlark supporters, said he also intends to continue his artistic collaboration with Mudlark Artistic Director Andrew Biliter, a 17-year directing and teaching partnership that predates their time at Mudlark. “Collaborating with Andrew has been the professional privilege of a lifetime, and I know that our work together is not finished,” Miro said.