Anne Arundel schools tap Delaware arts director

Posted: 6:50 pm Mon, February 6, 2012
By Associated Press

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — After eight years of helping develop, nurture and guide one of the most successful arts organizations in Delaware, Ken Skrzesz, co-founder and executive director of Clear Space Theatre Company, has stepped down to accept a position with Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

“While I am heartbroken about leaving Clear Space and the wonderful community here, the next phase of my life is also very exciting,” Skrzesz said. “I fell in love with the people here. Their remarkable generosity has allowed and will continue to allow Clear Space to thrive and grow in wonderful new ways.”

Doug Yetter, co-founder and artistic director at Clear Space, said Skrzesz was instrumental in the development of the theater.

“I’m not certain anyone else could have believed as strongly in the dream of bringing professional quality theater to the area in the same way Ken always did,” he said.

In addition to directing and choreographing nearly 50 shows for Clear Space and writing the book and lyrics for its annual production of “Scrooge,” Skrzesz was a frequent performer with the company and instrumental in the development its performing arts classes.

In his new role, Skrzesz will be guiding the school system’s arts education program. He has been charged with working with the faculty of the Performance Plus and Saturday in the Arts programs to clarify curriculum and instruction at Wiley H. Bates Middle School in Annapolis. While working at Bates, Skrzesz will be instrumental in the creation of a new performing arts high school for the district.