Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) today announced that Michael J. Bobbitt, who has served as the organization’s artistic director since 2007, will be stepping down on July 1, 2019. Bobbitt, an award-winning director, choreographer, and playwright, will start a new position as artistic director at the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, MA on August 1.
During his 12 years with ATMTC in Maryland, Bobbitt led the organization to become one of the most respected theatres and training academies in the DC region, as well as one of the nation’s most influential professional theatres for young audiences. ATMTC productions have received more than 60 award nominations and eight award wins during Bobbitt’s tenure. In addition, Bobbitt guided the organization through its merger with Musical Theater Center in 2012, and the training academy, including its conservatory and pre-professional program, has continued to grow since that time.
“It has been my great honor, privilege and indeed joy to work with, and become a friend to, Michael Bobbitt,” said Leslie Miles, Chair of the ATMTC Board of Directors. “I have been so proud to support his leadership in growing ATMTC, as it has become the region’s leading academy for young performers and at the cutting edge of theater for young audiences. I was drawn to ATMTC by Michael’s creative vision and have been so impressed by all that he has been able to accomplish with this company.”
“I will miss Michael in every way, but am excited to see him accept a new challenge, and know that we will be able to continue to rely upon him for insight, wisdom and support,” Miles continued. “Under his guidance, we have embraced the role ATMTC can play in reaching new communities and new audiences, a path we will pursue as he would. We have the opportunity to encourage and raise up new artistic leadership, and know that Michael will help to point us to emerging leaders. We will seize this opportunity even as we bid him farewell.”
A native of Washington, DC, Bobbitt’s first time artistic directing was at ATMTC. Bringing his natural talent and enthusiasm for the work, Bobbitt grew in the position, completing many training programs during his tenure, including Leadership Montgomery, the Coaching Initiative for Non-Profit Leaders of Color – National Training Laboratories & Mosaica, and Harvard Business School’s Social Enterprise Initiative. He currently serves on the boards of Maryland Citizen’s for the Arts, Leadership Montgomery, theatreWashington, and the Weissberg Foundation.
For the past two years, Bobbitt has served ATMTC alongside Managing Director Leon Seemann, who referred to Bobbitt as “more than a partner.”
“He’s my friend. We’ve helped each other grow so much, professionally and personally. Of course, I’m sad that Michael is leaving ATMTC but, at the same time, I’m proud of him. Michael is continuing to evolve as an artist,” Seemann said. “I’m also excited to build on Michael’s legacy and create magic with a new artistic director.”
Seemann said the search for the new artistic director will begin in April, with Bobbitt working alongside the ATMTC Board of Directors to find the very best candidates for the position, a search Bobbitt says will open many doors for ATMTC.
“All of this is bittersweet,” Bobbitt said, “but New Rep’s work is about larger social and human issues, and the community loves to convene and converse about these issues, and I find that exhilarating,” Bobbitt said.
“I am very proud of what Adventure accomplished, especially the dozens of new works that have gone on to publishing deals and subsequent productions, pioneering sensory friendly productions which are being modeled all over the globe, the merger with Musical Theatre Center and building an academy,” he continued. “It’s been amazing to be a part of helping children get close to their dreams of being performers, along with the off-Broadway transfers and national tours, the equity, diversity and inclusivity work that we activated and making children’s theatre an important part of the fabric of the DC theatre scene.”
“The decision to hand my baby off to someone else and leave my home town was very hard, but, under Leon’s stewardship, the theatre has never been stronger,” Bobbitt concluded.
ABOUT ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC
Adventure Theatre MTC educates and inspires new generations of theater artists and audiences with exceptional theatrical experiences.
ATMTC is the pre-eminent Musical Theatre Academy for youth in the DC region with an integrated and nationally renowned professional theatre for family audiences. ATMTC celebrates the glorious richness of our world by cultivating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity as they inspire the creativity that nurtures great art, artists, and audiences.
