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VPR's coverage of arts and culture in the region.

Youth Theater Artistic Director Stepping Down

Laura Bliss
Stephen Stearns has been artistic director of the New England Youth Theater since founding the company 16 years ago.

Changes are afoot at the New England Youth Theater in Brattleboro.

Artistic Director Stephen Stearns, also known as “Uncle Stevie,” is stepping down, although he will continue to direct and teach acting.

Stearns founded the non-profit organization in 1998, with the idea of offering innovative theater training and performances to this southern corner of Vermont.

He has also had a successful career as a clown and mime, both solo and as one half of Gould and Stearns.

Neal Charnoff speaks with Stearns about the transition.

Stearns says the NEYT today matches his original vision of an organization "of kids, by kids, for kids, run by kids, with the best professional mentorship available."

He says stepping down as artistic director will free up his time to return to teaching and donor outreach.

Sandy Klein, the theater's costume director and head of faculty, will fill in as interim artistic director as the organization gears up for a national search.

Neal was a reporter and VPR's All Things Considered host from 2001 to 2014. He joined VPR in 1996, hosting VPR's jazz programming, including live performances from the VPR studios and the Discover Jazz Festival. Prior to VPR, Neal was a programmer and host for WNCS in Montpelier and WDEV in Waterbury. He holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College.
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