About Face Theatre announced today that Artistic Director Andrew Volkoff will step down at the end of the 2016-17 season.

Volkoff joined About Face as Artistic Director in June, 2013. Under his leadership, the theater produced critically acclaimed plays including the world premiere of Artistic Associate Philip Dawkins’ Jeff Award-nominated romantic comedy, LE SWITCH. This season, Volkoff directed a re-imagining of I AM MY OWN WIFE by Doug Wright — a play that originated at About Face Theatre in 2003, and a hit production of THE TEMPERAMENTALS by Jon Marans. Over the years he also produced and directed BRAHMAN/I by Aditi Kapil (in collaboration with Silk Road Rising), ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS A FAGGOT by Bixby Elliot, and AFTER ALL THE TERRIBLE THINGS I DO by A. Rey Pamatmat. Volkoff also reintroduced the OUT FRONT series in 2013 to present new and developmental works exploring LGBTQIA themes, and created “First DrAAft,” a reading series focused solely on the works of About Face Artistic Associates.

“For the past four years, it has been my privilege to work with the talented and fiercely dedicated staff, artists and board at About Face Theatre, where our crucial mission of creating exceptional theatre and educational programming that advances the national dialogue on sexual and gender identity is celebrated,” said Volkoff. “The decision to step down is a personal one. After my battle with cancer and the loss of my father last year, I feel the need to devote more time to my family and my health. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life and am confident that I leave About Face in a stronger place.”

“We are proud to have worked alongside Andrew and celebrate his many contributions, including his service to our mission through programming that has explored a diverse array of issues and groups within the LGBTQIA community,” said About Face Board President Becky Huinker. “Andrew has laid a solid foundation for the next artistic director and we’re excited to begin the search for a new leader who will bring a strong vision to AFT and champion our values of authentic representation of our community on stage.”

The board has formed a committee to conduct a “national” search for Volkoff’s replacement.