Richard leaves post at Arena

Exec director joins National Children's Museum

By PAUL HARRIS

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Stephen Richard, executive director of the D.C. area's Arena Stage since 1991, will ankle his post in May to become VP of external affairs for the D.C.-based National Children's Museum, according to the theater.

Under Richard's leadership, the regional theater has launched a campaign to fundraise and construct the $120 million Mead Center for the Performing Arts on its site in southwest D.C. To date, it has raised $108 million toward its goal.

Arena has created a committee to conduct a national search for Richard's successor, according to Board Chairman Mark Shugoll. In the meantime, Arena vet Guy Bergquist will serve as interim honcho, Shugoll said. A staffer since 1982, Bergquist is currently the org's facilities director where he is overseeing the massive construction project, which began in January.

Prior to joining Arena Stage, Richard served as managing director of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and managing director of the Los Angeles Theater Center.