Stephen Schellhardt. Photo by Brandon Dahlquist.

BoHo Theatre has announced that Artistic Director Peter Marston Sullivan will step down and Stephen Schellhardt will take over at the start of the company’s 15th season in early 2019. Sullivan will stay on as artistic associate.

“While I have absolutely loved being a leader in this fantastic company for almost a decade, I’m afraid it’s come to my attention that I have very little time to do anything other than theatre,” Sullivan said. “Due to my recent nuptials, I thought it might be advantageous to spend a little more time with my wife.”

Sullivan took over for founding Artistic Director Steve Genovese in 2010. During his tenure, BoHo left behind the 30-seat Heartland Studio in Rogers Park to produce on larger stages like Theater Wit and Stage 773. He directed BoHo’s productions of BIG RIVER, ICARUS, PIPPIN, FLOYD COLLINS, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, AMADEUS, and DOGFIGHT, and will direct 110 IN THE SHADE which will close out their calendar-year season this fall.

Schellhardt has been BoHo’s Artistic Associate since 2015. His directed the company’s production of URINETOWN and created their ongoing cabaret series at Stage 773. Previously, he served as producer and casting director at Writers Theatre and has directed and choreographed at Timber Lake Playhouse, Summer Theatre of New Canaan, and Ars Nova in New York City. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama and a faculty member at Northwestern.

“I am humbled by the trust that the talented, dedicated and energetic Company and Board have placed in me,” Schellhardt said, emphasizing his commitment to finding a permanent theater for the company. The company has been raising funds while actively looking for an adaptable venue.

“I am excited to continue growing BoHo and introducing fresh, inventive programming,” Schellhardt continued. “In addition to our cabaret series, I am also captivated by the idea of establishing a play-reading series, master classes, and educational outreach for young, aspiring creatives.”