The Blackbird Theatre announced today that Mori Richner has quit as executive director. Co-Founder and longtime Associate Artistic Director Dana Sutton will step in as Interim Office Manager. She and Co-Founder/Producing Artistic Director Barton Bund will absorb Richner's duties this season, the theater - an independent live-theater company based in Ann Arbor - said in a press release.

From the press release:

"My resignation in no way reflects the level of my belief in, or dedication to, the Blackbird," says Richner. "In the years to come, I plan to serve in various volunteer capacities at the theater - you'll definitely see me around. It has been a fun run, and I’m so grateful to have had the chance to work with everyone who makes up the Blackbird, to learn as much as I have here, and to have become part of the Blackbird family."

Mori Richner in the Blackbird's "The Picture of Dorian Gray."

photo by Barton Bund

Richner became executive director in the spring of 2008.

“We’re so lucky to have had Mori with us,” says Founder and Producing Artistic Director Barton Bund. “The Blackbird is a family, and Mori remains a part of that, both in an artistic and advisory capacity, moving forward. Dana (Sutton) and I are proud to continue to carry out the work she began with us in 2008. She effectively changed our entire business model, and we would not be where we are now without her.”

The Blackbird Theatre’s new season reflects a lot of new directions for the company. “Our budgets are bigger for each production,” says Bund. “Everyone is getting paid now. The youth programs are expanding. We are running year-round, with an outdoor Summer season as well. We have virtually doubled our efforts, and despite sadness over Mori’s departure, we are confident that this company will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.”

Dana Sutton and Barton Bund are married with a 2-year-old daughter, and are glad to be together in art and life. “We’ve been doing this together for years,” continues Bund. “We are so glad that so many great artists call the Blackbird their home. This season is huge for us. We are moving in a good direction, always forward.”

Bund and Sutton have agreed, with the blessing of their Board of Directors, to absorb Mori Richner’s duties for the 2009-10 season. Future plans may include the hiring of a new executive director to take over the administrative and development duties.