FAQs about Mark's Departure
Recently, I announced that I would be leaving Vermont Stage Company at the end of the 2010-2011 season. This has prompted a flurry of questions, some of which I'll answer here.
Why?
I've been doing theatre for 35 years (if you go back to my first play in high school), and I've been running Vermont Stage for the past 10. That's a lot of theatre. It dawned on me that I might like to do something else, explore some new challenges.
What led to the decision?
It's something I've been considering for a few years now, but every time I seriously contemplated leaving, I ran up against the notion that theatre was all I knew. Recently, however, I realized that I've learned some skills that may be applicable in other fields.
Why make the announcement now, if you're not leaving for another year?
I wanted to give my board plenty of time to find a replacement, so I told them as soon as I had made the decision. We immediately started to plan the transition, a process that will take nearly a year, and part of that plan was to keep everyone that has a stake in the company apprised of our progress.
What are the plans for finding your replacement?
The board and I will work together to undertake a local and national search for a new artistic director.
What will you be doing next?
To be honest, I have no idea. As I mentioned, I may explore fields outside of theatre altogether, although teaching theatre still holds some appeal for me. Fortunately, I have a whole year to see what might be possible.
Will you be leaving the area?
At this point, my wife and I have no plans to leave. We have a lovely home in Charlotte and we're very fond of being part of this community, so I would be very surprised if we decided to relocate.
What do you see for the future of Vermont Stage?
I'm very excited about the future of the company. After 10 years of one person's vision informing the work we do, I believe that the company will benefit from an injection of new energy and new ideas. I certainly can't predict what a new leader will bring, but given that I will be closely involved in the decision making process, and given the nature of FlynnSpace, I'm quite sure that you'll see the same high level of professionalism, you'll still see a highly eclectic slate of shows, and you'll still experience the sense of intimacy that's become a hallmark of our productions.
Comments
Wow! I'm a supporter of new beginnings, so congrats! However, I would like you to know that your friendly greeting has been an essential part of each Vermont Stage experience and will be very missed. You have always made us feel welcome and the next person will need to observe this important technique you have mastered so well!
June 2nd, 2010 by Patricia Freed-Thall
Mark:
I'm shocked and saddened. If your last two seasons are any indication, you continue to bring a very relevant voice to local theater. But only you know what's best for you. I wish great success in whatever is next for you. Ric "Tile" Cengeri
June 2nd, 2010 by Ric Cengeri
You will be missed. And though I know I will want to say this in person at least once more this season, I wish you joy on your journey. I know that you will find success in whatever you decide to be when you grow up! :)
June 2nd, 2010 by Marie Gray
Mark: Though I, as well as most of the Burlington theater-goers will REALLY miss you, I can totally understand your reason for leaving, and wish you all the best in your new direction(s), whatever that might be. I hope you will keep in touch with us "Nash-fans" after you leave.
June 1st, 2010 by Steve Silverman
Oh Mark, I wish you well, but am a little concerned about Vermont Stage. Theater is such a personal, careful integration of people, creativity and skills. What will happen? Am glad you are so thoughtful about the transition. Kay Frances
June 1st, 2010 by Kay Frances Schepp
Salud, Pesetas, y Amor - y el Tiempo para gozarles Todo!
When I return from Oregon, I'll translate for you over "kawfee tawk".
Bittersweet, indeed, my darling Mark.
Long live Vermont Stage!
love,
ronni
June 1st, 2010 by ronni
Mark,
Of course you can do almost anything superbly as you are magic!
Carol
June 1st, 2010 by Carol Ode
Mark - You are a community treasure who has sustained a jewel of a theater company. Lu Ann and I appreciate and applaud your years of artistic excellence as actor, director...and the guy who never missed an opportunity to pass out those envelopes shaped like checks. We also appreciate and applaud your decision to close the final curtain and open new stage doors. But mostly, thank you!
Tom Pierce and Lu Ann Dillon
June 1st, 2010 by Tom Pierce
I hope the board will find someone who will make us feel like "family" as you did for so many years. It takes a special person to develop this sense of community and you did it so well. We have loved every moment of Vermont Stage performances. We look forward to the 2010-2011 season.
June 1st, 2010 by Linda Fishell
Well, great Mark, I know how it is to make a large change, having retired at 55 ... a few years ago ... after 33 years of teaching. I could have continued, I love working with kids, and I questioned who could possibly do what I did as well as I did (Answer: The next person to take my job!), and so forth. However, I have gone on to "follow my bliss," as Joseph Campbell would put it, and I continue to delight in the new paths I've taken. After this upcoming season, life at Vermont Stage will go on with a different cast, but one that has the privilege to build on the amazing legacy you've given to it. See you at the FlynnSpace for 2010-11, and after that in other endeavors that will have the benefit of the breadth and depth you'll bring to them.
June 1st, 2010 by George Voland
Mark, Thank you for your wonderful work and the season ahead. You certainly do have skills that would be valuable outside of theatre and I look forward to hearing about your journey as it unfolds! Thank you for all your encouragement of community theatres and especially of theatre artists who, in other many other parts of the county, would be working professionally full-time. Gratefully, Karin Hammer-Williamson
June 1st, 2010 by Karin Hammer-Williamson
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