MILWAUKEE, WI—Interim Board President Terry Kurtenbach today announced the resignation of Skylight Opera Theatre Managing Director Eric Dillner.

"The decisions to lay off several valued employees, eliminate positions through attrition, reduce artist fees and ask staff to take furloughs, though unpopular, were necessary in order to address the Skylight's budget gaps and help secure its viability in the future," said Kurtenbach in a statement. "Eric is a strong manager willing to make difficult decision with professionalism, honesty and integrity. The Board of Directors and I appreciate Eric's service to the Skylight during the challenging times brought on by the national economic crisis.  We thank him for his commitment to the Skylight and wish him the best."

"I had to make many difficult decisions to streamline the company and it is now best for me to step aside and let someone else carry it forward,” Dillner said.

Dillner first sparked community outrage two months ago when in order to cut costs he directed the board to eliminate five positions, including that of Artistic Director Bill Theisen. The move sparked community outrage, including live protests in front of the theatre. Skylight  mishandled the situation, which led to more resentment in the community, and further calls for Dillner to leave. The Board stood behind Dillner, repeatedly issuing statements that they were 100% behind these moves. At the last protest outside the theatre board members met with community activists and tried to address their questions. 

But the situation worsened again in late July after Dillner fired two actors from the season-opening The Barber of Seville production. Bill Theisen, though not A.D. any longer, was still going to direct the show and two other productions in this, the 50th anniversary season of Skylight. On July 20 Theisen pulled out of this commitment after Dillner fired several actors from the production for derogatory comments posted online about the Skylight in a Facebook group dedicated to bringing Theisen back to the Opera. Following Theisen's withdrawal many other key artists from the community announced they would no longer work with the Opera this season either.

Dillner came to the Skylight from the Shreveport Opera, where he successfully weathered 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina during his seven-year tenure. After working professionally as an opera artist himself he spent the last decade in management. Skylight’s statement said that he will continue to consult with the Skylight, but will engage in other pursuits to build and develop artists, nonprofit companies and build future audiences.  He plans also to further develop topic-based outreach programs such as Herman the Horse: a Healthy Tail and Why Dinosaurs Don't Smoke.

"I wish the Skylight the best in all its future endeavors and leave it in the hands of a capable staff, and fiscally responsible and caring Board of Directors.  It is an amicable departure," said Dillner. "I am thankful for the support I have received here in Milwaukee and from around the globe."

The Board of Directors plans to explore a full range of options as it considers Dillner's successor.  Two Skylight alumni, Joan Lounsbery and Colin Cabot, have graciously offered to help manage the company in the interim until a replacement can be identified.

The Skylight will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season in 2009-2010.

For more background check out: 

Community Uproar Greets A.D.’s Elimination at Skylight Opera Theatre

Skylight Opera Offers to Reinstate Eliminated A.D., A.D. Refuses

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