Detroit Repertory Theatre founders step down after 64 years
Theater plans August celebration of founders, return to the stage by early 2022
Leah Smith named new artistic/managing director
Michael Joseph
Detroit Repertory Theatre founders Barbara Busby and Bruce Millan enjoy an evening at a board fundraiser in June 2019.
Detroit Repertory Theatre founders Bruce Millan and Barbara Busby have retired after 64 years.
Millan, 91, is thought to be the longest-serving artistic director of a professional theater company in the country, according to the theater.
Busby, 88, had overseen the theater s operations as its fiscal officer.
The regional theater s board of directors has named Leah Smith, 51, as its new artistic/managing director.
Bruce Millan and Barbara Busby, Founders of Detroit Repertory Theatre, Announce Retirement
Since 1957, Mr. Millan operated as the Rep s Artistic Director and Ms. Busby as Fiscal Officer.by Alexa Criscitiello
As of July 1st, founders of the Detroit Repertory Theatre, Bruce Millan and Barbara Busby have retired after 64 years of leadership of the iconic cultural institution.
Their vision of an anti-racist society, and their casting policy of hiring blacks in traditionally white roles, garnered them both accolades and criticism in the Detroit Theatre scene over the years. Since 1957, Mr. Millan operated as the Rep s Artistic Director and Ms. Busby as Fiscal Officer. Leah E. Smith has been named the new Artistic/Managing Director.
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