HILLSBORO, ORE.: Bag&Baggage Productions (B&B) has announced the formation of an artistic leadership committee to guide the company’s artistic direction after the departure of former producing artistic director Nik Whitcomb. This committee is composed of longtime artists, staff, and board members, including Bag&Baggage founder Scott Palmer (who chairs the committee), board chair Bianca McCarthy (former executive director of Echo Theatre Company), company manager Ephriam Harnsberger, and resident artist Signe Larsen.

According to a statement, B&B is “taking thoughtful, intentional steps to ensure stability and momentum in the company’s artistic work moving forward. The committee will provide immediate artistic guidance and make key programming decisions while we pause a formal search for permanent artistic leadership. More importantly, it will lead a series of community conversations designed to put audiences and supporters at the center of the company’s next chapter.” B&B will soon announce information about how to participate in these conversations.

Bag&Baggage is Hillsboro’s professional theatre company and a cornerstone of the city’s Cultural Arts District. For two decades, the company has aimed to produce bold, thought-provoking work that reflects the vitality and diversity of Washington County. As of 2024, its budget was around $708,000.