CHICAGO: Amanda Farrar has announced that she will leave her post as the executive director of Barrel of Monkeys this May. Longtime company member Gwen Tulin will be the interim executive director.

“For the past six years, the company, staff and board have all benefited from her skilled leadership, the unique blend of enthusiasm, ambition and acumen she brought to all aspects of Barrel of Monkeys’ growth and the great love and respect that she brought to fulfilling our mission of celebrating the power of children’s imaginations,” said program director Elizabeth Levy and artistic director Joseph Schupbach in a joint statement. “We are excited for her next adventure, and at the same time, incredibly sad to see her go.”

Farrar began as executive director in 2009. In her time at Barrel of Monkeys, she was credited with revolutionizing program assessment, developing four new staff positions, maintaining exceptional financial standing and spearheading two strategic planning processes.

“I can’t capture in a short statement what Barrel of Monkeys has meant to me over the years,” said Farrar in a statement. “The impact we collectively make on students is significant, and I’m so proud of having played a part in celebrating every single student with whom we’ve worked.”

Tulin joined the organization as an ensemble member in 2012. Previously she worked as the company’s music director and was an active performing company member. She served on Barrel of Monkeys’ fundraising and finance committee for the most recent strategic plan and is currently part of the marketing committee. She is the artistic director for Brain Surgeon Theater and was the general manager of Gorilla Tango Bucktown.