Beloved local theater Stages just announced that it has appointed David Schmitz as its interim managing director. Schmitz is the principal executive for Amplify Leadership Advisors, a consulting firm that assists arts organizations in navigating change. The firm offers temporary leadership services, along with arts management counsel and assistance with strategic projects.

Schmitz will work with Stages and its board to help the organization find new artistic and management leadership over the next year. He'll also be working closely with the Stages board, staff, and community to position Stages for future success.

He previously served as executive director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and worked at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where he served for 15 years in the roles of general manager, managing director, and then executive director.

"David has worked at the three greatest models in the country for what I care about — theaters that have had huge impacts on their communities and that care deeply for artists," Stages artistic director Kenn McLaughlin tells CultureMap. "I can't imagine finding someone more aligned for this moment at Stages. He also has an extraordinary sense of humor and is lots of fun to work with."

McLaughlin announced back in June that he'd be retiring at the end of the 2023-2024 season. Then, in July, Stages managing director Katie Maltais shared the news that she was leaving the organization to head up The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, known as one of the country's best companies for musical theater.

Planning is underway for a national search to identify Stages’ new artistic and managing directors, according to a press release sent out Tuesday.

As those efforts unfold, Schmitz will support Stages in its mission to tell stories that invite everyone to live more deeply and love more boldly. He has a proven track record of success in relationship-based fundraising, strategic financial management, leading through an equity lens, and advancing an organization's mission.

"[David's] experience and expertise will be invaluable as we navigate this period of transition and growth," said McLaughlin in the same press release. "Personally, I am joyful to be a part of David’s remarkable theatrical journey. I look forward to working with him to advance Stages’ mission and goals as the company searches for its new executive leadership team.”