Jeff Steitzer Resigns As Act's Artistic Director

In a move that surprised his co-workers and many in the Seattle arts community, Jeff Steitzer announced Friday that he has resigned his post as artistic director of A Contemporary Theatre.

The resignation, which goes into effect immediately, comes at a critical time for ACT, one of Seattle's most popular and respected nonprofit playhouses.

Earlier this month, ACT's board of directors voted to pursue a $25 million renovation of the Eagles Auditorium, a long-vacant facility at Seventh Avenue and Union Street. If all the needed money can be raised, the building will be turned into a mixed-use facility with a two-theater complex for ACT on the lower levels, and separately developed low-income apartments on the upper floors.

According to ACT spokesman Barry Allar, the renovation plans will not be affected.

"We plan to break ground on the project in 1994, and finish in time for our 1995 season," Allar said.

In a statement issued Friday, Steitzer said his six years as head of ACT were "exhilarating but exhausting," and that ACT now needs a leader eager to see it through the transition from its current home on lower Queen Anne to the Eagles facility.

"I realized that I cannot be that person," Steitzer said, adding that he was more interested in pursuing free-lance opportunities as a director and actor.

Steitzer leaves tomorrow for Louisville, Ky., to stage the premiere of "Betty the Yetti," by Seattle writer Joe Klein, at the Humana Festival of New American Plays, a project planned before his resignation. The production will also open ACT's 1994 season in April.

Steitzer first came to ACT in 1985 as a resident director, and in 1988 he replaced retiring company founder Gregory Falls as artistic director. He has since staged more than 20 shows for the theater, and turned the focus of ACT toward new plays by American and English authors.

Steve Alter, ACT's artistic associate, says it is very likely he will accept the board's invitation to serve as acting artistic director.

A national search will be conducted for Steitzer's successor.