CHICAGO: Raven Theatre Company has announced that the theatre’s founders and co-artistic directors Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro will retire at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season next March. Menendian and Montemurro led the company for 35 years. The company will begin its search for a new artistic director immediately.
“We are deeply grateful for the work which Mike and JoAnn have done over the years for the theatre,” said Walter Pophin, president of the theatre’s board of directors, in a statement. “Through their effort and inspiration Raven Theatre has offered high quality, accessible modern drama to Chicago audiences for 35 years and has established a dynamic education program in the local public schools.”
Menendian and Montemurro founded the Raven Theatre Company in 1983, and have produced, directed, designed, and appeared in more than 100 productions at the theatre. Under their leadership, the company occupied a theatre space in Roger’s Park from 1985-1999, and moved into its current home in Edgewater in 2002. Raven Theatre has also been honored with 85 Jeff Award nominations and 23 Jeff Awards.
