Civic Theatre of Allentown Managing Director, Michael Traupman has resigned “to pursue new opportunities,” according to a press release from the theater.

“A robust search for a new managing director is underway,” according to the press release.

Civic Theatre Artistic Director William Sanders, working with the Board of Directors and Staff, will temporarily assume Traupman’s responsibilities and serve as the contact person for the theater, the press release stated.

“The Civic Theatre Board of Directors and staff thank Michael for his service to the organization and our community. We wish Michael well as he travels into his next adventure,” stated the press release.

Traupman was named Civic Managing Director in fall 2012. Prior to that he was Civic Interim Managing Director, Civic development and marketing consultant and Civic board member and officer.

As Managing Director, Traupman oversaw the growth and development of Civic’s film program, including a wider variety of films and viewing times and the initiation of a number of film series, including the popular “Brunch with Oscar” series. As a film committee member, he initiated annual bus trips to the Philadelphia Film Festival and The Tribeca Film Festival. Traupman led Civic’s successful Digital Campaign, which enabled the theater to add the “Science on Screen” series, silent film series, “Art on Screen” and HD operas.

Traupman developed partnerships with Muhlenberg College and downtown arts organizations while overseeing the administrative staff in the areas of business, marketing, and development.

Sanders, now in his 30th year as a working theater professional, 21 of those at Civic, has led the organization to produce acclaimed area-premiere productions, including “Angels In America Parts 1 and 2,” “The Grapes Of Wrath” and “Rent.” Sanders received a BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and is a member of Actor’s Equity and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

Questions about Civic Theatre School (CTS) should be directed to JoAnn Wilchek Basist, who started as a student at CTS. She has been the board liaison and driving force behind the theater school for 30 years.

Civic’s 2015 - ‘16 season includes: “The Addams Family,” the annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” “On Golden Pond,” “Assassins,” and for the first time in years, a fifth show, “God Of Carnage,” pending approval of rights. Also this fall sees the launch of “Middle Of The Road Cabarets.”

Civic has served the area for almost 90 years.