Lifeline Theatre’s long-time Artistic Director Dorothy Milne has announced she will transition out the role during the coming year.

Milne joined the Lifeline Artistic Ensemble in 1992 and was chosen as artistic director in 1999, following the departure of founding Producing Director Meryl Friedman. The organization has increased its annual operating budget from just over $300K to just under $1M since, while Milne has directed 22 shows and produced 116 more.

“I love my job and I won’t be leaving Lifeline,” Milne said. “I will still be an active ensemble member and volunteer. But I’m over 60 years old and I look forward to spending more time away from a desk.

“To try to measure the impact that Dorothy has had over the past 19 years is an impossible task,” Managing Director Allison Cain said. “Through her leadership, creative guidance, and dedication, she has not only transformed Lifeline but our neighborhood and theatrical community. I have been so honored to work by her side for the past nine years, and will miss her beyond words. I’m also thankful for the flexible transition timeline she has proposed as it will allow us to be thoughtful in finding the right person to take up the mantle as we move into our next 35 years.”

“Lifeline will conduct a search that invites both internal and external candidates to apply,” Milne continued. “The successful candidate would become a Lifeline ensemble member, if they are not already, and would engage in our ensemble development process. This is not a traditional AD role: we are a true collective, deciding all artistic programming for the season as an ensemble. The ideal candidate is both a creative force and someone who finds passion in mentoring, creating opportunity for others, growing Lifeline’s family, engaging our community partners, and actively collaborating with Lifeline’s ensemble, board, and staff.”

Lifeline hopes to have a successor in place by the end of the current season. Milne plans to transition when her replacement is found.