By Marika Garland

Assistant Professor of Drama Kevin Rich is leaving Kenyon for a bigger stage. He will take on the positions of Artistic Director of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and Assistant Professor of Acting at Illinois State University in the fall.

I wasnt actively seeking employment elsewhere, but this is an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fully explore the intersection between academic and professional theatre that I just cant pass up, Rich said in an email announcing his plans to drama majors yesterday. He has acted with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival before and is excited to return to the company he has long considered [his] artistic home.

All of Richs scheduled classes for next year will remain in the curriculum, according to Rich. A visiting professor will take over these courses for the year, and then the drama department will conduct a full search for his replacement.

As excited as I am about what the future holds, I will be very sad to leave this wonderful place, Rich said. Id certainly love to come back as a guest artist.

Many students are sad to see Rich go, too.

Hes definitely one of my favorite teachers at Kenyon, said Aaron Lynn 14, a drama major who acted under Richs direction in Spirits to Enforce and Icarus and Aria this year. Were all really excited for him but also upset that we dont get to work with him anymore.

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