The Repertory East Playhouse announces the departure of Ovington Michael Owston, who has led The REP to great success over the last 10 years. Owston has accepted a position with OperaWorks, an operatic performance training program in the San Fernando Valley.

The Board of Directors has promoted Artistic Director Mikee Schwinn to the leadership of the REP. A search is underway for a new Theater Manager to assist Schwinn with administrative and operational duties.

Mikee Schwinn, left, celebrates the Fourth of July 2015 in front of his theater.

When he assumed leadership of the REP in 2004, Owston oversaw a physical rehabilitation of the theater on Main Street and helped develop some of the most successful seasons in the REP’s history, which included productions of the shows “M*A*S*H,” “A Few Good Men,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “Jewtopia” and the hit musical, “Avenue Q,” to name just a few. He introduced the 81 Series of provacative productions that attracted new audiences to the REP and worked with community groups to make the REP part of the Old Town Newhall Arts District, hosting The Society improv troupe, the Cowboy Couture fashion show and several concerts as part of the City of Santa Clarita’s annual Cowboy Festival.

“We wish O the best in his new endeavor” said REP Board President Dawn Hovhannisyan. “He’s done so much for the theater and made it a great cultural mainstay for downtown Newhall. He will be missed.”

The REP on the Fourth.

Schwinn has the full support of the Board of Directors as he assumes his new position. He has worked as a creative force alongside Owston at the REP for most of the past decade and is a familiar face to theatergoers. Recently, he has been working with the City on the proposed Arts Master Plan and is currently developing the upcoming season for the REP, which will be announced in September.

Candidates interested in the Theater Manager position may send resumes to the REP at info@repeastplayhouse.org. Interviews will be scheduled in mid-August.

The REP’s new musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar” opens tonight and will play weekends through August 15. The theater’s 11th Season concludes with productions of the award-winning drama, “The Diviners” and the who’ll-do-it? “Deathtrap.” For tickets and information, visit www.the-rep.org or call (661) 288-0000.