CLEVELAND: Cleveland Play House (CPH) board of directors has announced that regional theatre veteran Mark Cuddy has been appointed to serve as interim artistic director as the theatre seeks a permanent successor for artistic director Laura Kepley, who left the post in March. Cuddy himself is stepping down from a long-held post as artistic director of Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, N.Y. He is no stranger to CPH, having worked as on the CPH/Geva co-productions of Clybourne Park and Informed Consent.

Born and raised in Boston, Cuddy served as artistic leader of Geva Theatre Center for 27 years. During his tenure, he served as director for over 50 productions and producer for over 25 premieres. In 2018, Cuddy returned to the stage after an 18-year absence to perform in Geva’s world premiere production of Heartland by Gabriel Jason Dean. He also appeared in Geva’s 2019 production of La Cage aux Folles as Georges. Earlier this year he facilitated the transition to his successor at Geva, Elizabeth Williamson.

In a statement, Cuddy said, “I am honored to support the CPH staff and trustees as they transition into a new era. After 27 years at one regional theatre, I am excited for the new relationships that will be formed, and a new city to be explored.”

Management Consultants for the Arts is leading the search for CPH’s permanent artistic director. As of 2019, the theatre’s budget was around $9.4 million.