Walter Stearns Leaves Porchlight - Becomes Executive Director of the Mercury Theatre
Following twelve successful years at Porchlight Music Theatre Chicago, Walter Stearns will step down as Artistic Director at the end of the season. Stearns will become Executive Director of Mercury Theatre, 3745 North Southport, Chicago, which was acquired by a group of private investors, Southport Theatre LLC, it was announced today. Porchlight Music Theatre will conduct a national search for a new artistic director who will select the 2011/2012 season.
Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago's first and only company devoted to musical theatre, has grown and matured significantly under the leadership of artistic director Walter Stearns. During his tenure, the company produced 37 musicals and the annual budget has grown from $12,000 to just under a half million dollars. An Equity company since 2004, Porchlight Music Theatre has been nominated for over 50 awards and has successfully transferred productions to the Apollo Theatre, the Metropolis Theatre and many productions at Theatre on the Lake. Porchlight Music Theatre has attracted the interests of Tony Award winning artists including: Maury Yeston, William Finn, Sheldon Harnick, George Furth and Stephen Sondheim. Porchlight Music Theatre has fostered the talents and careers of hundreds of local artists.
In his new position as Executive Director of the Mercury Theatre, Stearns will champion local Chicago artists and productions, and will also make the venue available for commercial theatrical producers. Additionally, he will produce original work in collaboration with musical director, Eugene Dizon. The Mercury Theatre will be a home for ambitious, exciting, home-grown productions.
The Mercury Theatre was produced by Chicago Theatre impresario Michael Cullen and developed into an intimate, well-appointed theatre, offering excellent sight lines and comfortable audience amenities. It has been home to commercial hits including The Screwtape Letters, The Irish and How They Got that Way, Over the Tavern and Over the River and Through the Woods, among others.
Jonathan Heuring, Managing Director of Porchlight Music Theatre, stated, "We are excited about continued artistic collaborations with Walter Stearns, and the possibility of producing some Porchlight shows at the Mercury Theatre."
Stearns commented, "It has been my pleasure to lead Porchlight for the past twelve years. I am proud of our accomplishments and I am comfortable leaving with the knowledge that the company is stronger and greater than when I arrived. I am looking forward to new challenges and achievements at the Mercury Theatre."