CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – The Cortland Repertory Theatre’s (CRT) longtime leader is leaving.

On August 28, Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson announced that he will step down on December 31 after more than a quarter-century with the theater.

Thompson began with CRT in 1996 as a performer and choreographer and was chosen by the CRT Board in 2000 to succeed outgoing leadership.

“On behalf of the CRT Guild and Board of Directors, we are profoundly grateful for the 26 years of artistic leadership and positive impact Kerby Thompson has unselfishly given to CRT, the Cortland community and the Arts and Culture of Central New York, said Board Chair Mark Reynolds.

In addition to his administrative duties, Thompson performed, directed, and led capital expansion projects. Highlights of his tenure include a $450,000 campaign to install a sprinkler system and accessible lift at the Little York Pavilion, and a $2.25 million campaign to renovate a former bowling alley into the theater company’s second location, CRT Downtown.

In the coming months, CRT will conduct a national search for his replacement, and Assistant Producer Andrea Dotto will assume the role of interim producing artistic director. Thompson will remain as a consultant through the first half of 2027 to help with casting and hiring for the theater’s 56th summer season.