David Zak, the driving force behind Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, is stepping down as artistic director. It's a position he held for the majority of the company's 27 years.
Taking over for Zak with the new title of Bailiwick's executive director is Yale graduate and Jeff-nominated actor Kevin Mayes. Zak is will remain as artistic director emeritus.
During Zak's tenure, the Bailiwick became known for producing LGTBQ-friendly works and rolling out plenty of regional and world premieres. Some memorable hits include Parade, bare, Naked Boys Singing and the American premiere of Jerry Springer: The Opera.
The Bailiwick recently vacated its longtime warehouse home at 1229 W. Belmont at the start of 2009. ( Theater Wit is renovating the former Bailiwick Arts Center. )
As promised by Zak, the Bailiwick did re-emerge this past summer as an itinerant company. Bailiwick produced the musical The Cousins Grimm and the play Two Spoons in repertory in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted ( which was eventually replaced by the musical Bombs Away, which Bailiwick originally produced at Mary's Attic ) .
Currently, no works have been announced for Bailiwick's 2009-10 season, while the company's new Web site, www.bailiwickchicago.com, is currently under construction.
Compiled by Scott C. Morgan