ATLANTA: Dad’s Garage has announced that longtime artistic director Kevin Gillese will be transitioning out of his role at the end of December. Gillese, who led the company for 10 years, will turn to focus on other artistic projects.

He will stay on at Dad’s Garage as an ensemble member and will head Dad’s Garage Television (DGTV) in addition to some new initiatives.

Ensemble member Jon Carr will serve as interim artistic director as the board seeks a replacement. Carr previously worked as marketing director for Dad’s Garage, and currently serves at the audience development manager at the Alliance Theatre.

“It’s been such a pleasure working side by side with Kevin over the past seven years, and I’m glad I don’t have to truly say goodbye,” said managing director Lara Smith in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with Jon again, and can’t wait to help our new artistic director step into the role.”

During his decade-long career at Dad’s Garage, Gillese increased diversity in the company’s roster of artists, added 8 p.m. showtimes, created the DGTV program, and led the company through a transition to a permanent home in Old Fourth Ward. In his new role leading DGTV, he will expand the theatre’s ability to create digital content and share the company’s work with international audiences.

“I’m so excited to be able to spend more time as an artist at Dad’s Garage and focus more of my energies on passion projects,” said Gillese in a statement.