The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has announced that Paul Crews is stepping down as Artistic Director at the end of the year. He will transition to the role of Artistic Advisor for the balance of The Wallis’ 2021-2022 Season.
Crewes joined The Wallis in 2015 as its first Artistic Director. During his notable tenure, he has led the venue to national prominence with an exceptional range of programs and performances. During the past six years he has brought acclaim to The Wallis with groundbreaking work that celebrates and reimagines music, dance, theater, cinema and family programming.
“Paul Crewes has had an indelible impact on The Wallis, shaping its artistic mission and fostering new work on our stages while championing both established and emerging artists across genres,” said Board Chair Michael Nemeroff. “The Wallis has benefitted beyond measure from his artistic guidance, staunch support and deeply felt passion. His visionary leadership has helped position The Wallis as one of the country’s preeminent performing arts venues and has also helped bring attention to L.A.’s own deep pool of astounding artists. We appreciate Paul’s vast contributions to The Wallis and his considerable impact on the arts scene locally and beyond. Through his work, he has touched the lives of so many people on both sides of the stage, leaving an enduring legacy, which we are delighted he will continue to nurture in his new capacity as The Wallis’ Artistic Advisor.”
“It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to serve as Artistic Director of The Wallis,” said Crewes. “The organization’s Board, staff, supporters and audiences have afforded me an extraordinary opportunity to think big, push boundaries, and help advance new artistic ideas and perspectives all in a world class state-of-the-art venue in the heart of Beverly Hills. It’s certainly not easy to step away from a job I love, but family considerations are taking me back to England. I’ve chosen to announce my departure now to ensure that The Wallis has ample time to evaluate next steps. When I assume the role of Artistic Advisor in January, I’ll be working closely with Wallis staff to make sure the artistic elements put in place for the 2021-2022 Season, which is now fully programmed, continue running smoothly. Although I’m not saying a formal goodbye just yet, I absolutely want to acknowledge Michael Nemeroff, the Board of Directors, Rachel Fine, and all of my incredible Wallis colleagues who make it a joy to be part of The Wallis family.”
Prior to joining The Wallis, Crewes was Chief Executive and Executive Producer of Kneehigh Theatre, the internationally recognized Cornwall, U.K. company, whose goal was to create “theater of humanity” with an ever-changing ensemble. He also worked throughout the U.K. in Producer and Executive Producer roles at The Lowry, Phoenix Dance Theatre, Jude Kelly’s Metal, Crewes Gale Productions, which he formed, and West Yorkshire Playhouse, as well as serving as Production Manager at Theatre Royal and Director of Technical Training at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, with stints earlier at London Contemporary Dance Theatre, Paines Plough Theatre Company and Bristol Old Vic.
Crewes and his family plan to return to England.
