GLOUCESTER, MASS.: Gloucester Stage announced today that artistic director Robert Walsh will step down from his position at the end of the 2021-22 season. Actress, director, and Gloucester Stage veteran Paula Plum was appointed by the theatre’s board of directors to serve as the interim artistic director as the company begins “a transparent and equitable search process for the next artistic leader,” according to a statement.

“‘A safe harbor…’ were words from the original mission statement from 40 years ago, and equally applicable today,” said Walsh in a statement. “Like many theatres, Gloucester Stage Company has navigated some turbulent waters but remains indebted to the artists who continue to contribute to our growth and forward movement. It has been an honor to serve the Cape Ann, North Shore, and Boston communities for the past seven years. I look forward to seeing how Gloucester Stage can continue its rich history of producing vibrant and culturally relevant work as we continue into this next decade.”

Plum said in a statement that she and Walsh have been curating a selection of plays for the 2022 season written by “an exciting group of playwrights whose stories are personally thrilling and culturally relevant, and boldly represent the work of historically underrepresented individuals.” She added, said in a statement, “As a 30-year veteran of Gloucester Stage, I am so happy to shepherd the theatre on to its next exciting chapter and to work this coming year with old and new friends.”

Gloucester Stage’s mission is to present professional productions of intellectually stimulating and socially relevant theatre, provide a nurturing work environment in an inspirational setting for artists of exceptional talent, enrich the greater theatre landscape by introducing audiences to new work, and contribute to the cultural and educational development of Cape Ann.