Two key leaders will be departing from Arizona Theatre Company.

After five and a half years of strategic growth and reorganization, Executive Director Geri Wright and Chief Development and Marketing Officer Paula Taylor will exit the stage, the theater announced Friday.

“Both leaders are leaving ATC in a strong financial position, with an exciting upcoming season and a clear vision for the future,” the theater shared in a press release. “Kasser Family Artistic Director Matt August will continue to lead the organization alongside the board of trustees, officers and the senior leadership team while a national search for a new executive director is underway.

Wright, who has served as executive director alongside August, will step down June 1 to focus on family priorities, taking a position as chief development and marketing officer at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.

Since joining ATC, Wright has played a role in reducing the company’s deficit and reinforcing its standing among Arizona’s premier professional theaters. She was instrumental in ATC’s transition to Tempe Center for the Arts, expanding the theatre’s presence in the Phoenix Metro area and securing a home that fosters artistic collaboration and audience engagement.

Taylor, a force behind ATC’s fundraising, branding, and audience development, will also step away to pursue new professional opportunities. Under her leadership, the company merged its marketing and development teams, enhanced donor relations, audience engagement, and institutional growth.

“Geri and Paula are two of my favorite people I’ve ever worked with,” August shared. “They have been incredible partners as we faced challenges and created amazing opportunities for ATC. I couldn’t have been luckier, and I will miss them dearly.”

A trustee-led committee has begun a national search for a new executive director to guide ATC in its next chapter. During this transition, August will continue providing artistic and organizational leadership.

Founded in 1966, ATC is recognized as the Official Arizona State Theatre.

Visit atc.org.