GLENCOE, ILL.: Writers Theatre founding artistic director Michael Halberstam announced his resignation two weeks ago, following allegations about his workplace comments and conduct. This marks the end of a 30-year artistic leadership career that culminated with the opening of the new Writers Theatre building in 2016.

“It has been an honor and a joy to lead Writers Theatre for the past 30 years,” said Halberstam in a statement. “I am proud of the strong working relationships I have created with some of the field’s finest practitioners. I am grateful for their many years of unparalleled artistry and the work we have created together. I am fortunate in having served one of the finest audiences a theatre could ask for and particularly for having diversified our stages in the past five years.”

The board, Halberstam, and the Writers Theatre leadership team, led by executive director Kathryn Lipuma, have begun a national search for a new artistic director. The group aims to undergo a transition process with the best interests of the theatre, staff, artists, and its patrons at the forefront. In the meantime, Writers Theatre is pleased to name long-time Writers Theatre director of new work and dramaturgy, Bobby Kennedy, as interim artistic director.