ATLANTA: Serenbe Playhouse has announced that its founding artistic director, Brian Clowdus, will step down from his role. Clowdus will remain as a member of the board with the title of founding artistic director, emeritus, in perpetuity. He is leaving the company to pursue his next producing venture: Brian Clowdus Experiences, which will mount immersive works all over the country.

Serenbe Playhouse will launch a national search for the next artistic director. The 2020 season, overseen by managing director Mickey McGuire and associate artistic director Joel Coady, will feature guest directors.

“Brian Clowdus had an idea to do skits in the woods in 2008, and he turned that idea into the engaging, magical experiences at Serenbe Playhouse that we all know and love,” said board chair Garnie Nygren in a statement. “And we are so excited about the next 10 years! With Brian’s help and support, and Mickey McGuire’s leadership, we expect to create an exciting team who will build on the magic of Serenbe Playhouse, and shepherd the next batch of dreamers. We are so excited for Brian and his new venture, and so thrilled he’s taking the joy of site-specific theatre to all the new venues he’s working with.”

Clowdus is an actor, educator, director, and producer. He founded Serenbe Playhouse in 2009 under the umbrella of a parent organization, the Serenbe Institute for Art Culture & the Environment. The theatre is committed to producing site-specific performances and programs at the intersection of art, nature, and community.

“As an artist and entrepreneur there is a time to continue and there is a time to pass the torch, and it’s finally the right time for me to pass the Serenbe torch and I couldn’t be more excited to announce the next chapter of Serenbe Playhouse!” said Clowdus in a statement. “My heart is full, I am so thankful, and I look forward to the next 10 years of Serenbe Playhouse!”