Mark McKenna, Producing Artistic Director and Ensemble Member of Touchstone Theatre, announced that he is stepping down as leader of the not- for- profit Ensemble Theatre and Lisa Jordan, the company’s Production Manager and Ensemble Member, will be taking over as the new Producing Director. The Touchstone Board and Mr. McKenna have been grooming Jordan for the transition.

Board President Andrew Fox said, “ Mark will continue directing ‘Giants of the Lehigh Valley’, the play springing out of the Lehigh Valley Black African Heritage History Project scheduled for May 30 - June 14 and will help Touchstone through the leadership transition. Although we will miss Mark, the Board understands his desire to relinquish the huge responsibility of managing the business and artistic mission of the theatre. Over the past twenty-two years through Touchstone, Mark has been a visionary in the local and national ensemble-theatre community and has initiated exciting theatre and community collaborations. Through his leadership, Touchstone’s programming in local schools, especially with at-risk children, has proven how art can change lives for the better.”

Lisa Jordan has been a member of the Touchstone Company for the past seven years and is a graduate of Kutztown University with a BA in theatre and minor in music performance. She has managed over thirty Touchstone productions since 2001. McKenna said, “Over the last seven years, Lisa has become an essential and respected member of Touchstone, progressing through every facet of the organization. Her organizational skills, creative voice and understanding of Touchstone's potential are perfect for leading Touchstone into the future. Lisa’s ability to facilitate dialogue and motivate people, her integrity and commitment, along with her grasp of Touchstone's mission make her an ideal successor.”

Jordan’s leadership will be supported by four additional Touchstone Ensemble Members: Margie Anich, Bill George, Vicki Haller, and Jp Jordan, who have a collective forty-four years of experience working at Touchstone. Bill George, co-founder of Touchstone in 1981, is a member of the Ensemble and manages the theatre’s Touring Program. Fox stated, “Bill’s professional acumen and history with the organization will assist the transition of leadership. In addition, Touchstone recently brought in Amy Meleck, CFRE, a seasoned fundraising professional with twenty years experience in the not- for- profit sector and in the arts who will be an excellent partner for Lisa.”

Touchstone Theatre is one of the leading ensemble theatres in the country. Founded in 1981 as a professional, not- for- profit organization, Touchstone produces and presents original and classic theatre. In addition, a talented Ensemble brings innovative educational programs to schools in the Lehigh Valley and the surrounding region. Known for fostering inter-cultural, international and community collaborations, Touchstone has produced “Steelbound” and “Don Quixote of Bethlehem”.

Coming up next at Touchstone is “Tales from the Middle East”, an original family production that will run March 29 – April 6. The theatre is in its third year of producing the Young Playwright’s Festival, which will be held on May 3 with a special dessert reception. And closing the Touchstone season is the culmination of the Lehigh Valley Black African Heritage History Project in the production, “Giants of the Lehigh Valley” which will travel through the Lehigh Valley May 30 – June 14. Firehouse Fridays on select Fridays will continue through July. For more information on Touchstone’s schedule, go to www.touchstone.org.