Pictured: Raven Theatre’s founders Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro (on right) at the company’s Rogers Park theater, Raven’s home from 1985 – 1999. Photo courtesy of Raven Theatre.

Raven Theatre Company has announced founders and co-artistic directors Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro will retire at the end of the 2017-2018 season, after leading the company for 35 years.

Since founding Raven Theatre in 1983, Menendian and Montemurro have produced, directed, designed and/or appeared in more than 100 productions. Under their leadership, the company has occupied two long-term theater spaces – the first in Roger’s Park from 1985–1999 – and the company’s current home in Edgewater since 2002. During their tenure, Raven Theatre has been honored with 23 Jeff Awards and 85 Jeff Award nominations. The company will celebrate its 35th anniversary in March 2018.

“We are deeply grateful for the work which Mike and JoAnn have done over the years for the theater,” comments Walter Pophin, President of the theater’s Board of Directors. “Through their effort and inspiration, Raven Theatre has offered high quality, accessible modern drama to Chicago audiences for 35 years and has established a dynamic education program in the local public schools.”

A national search for new artistic directors will begin immediately.