Theatrical Outfit has announced that Matt Torney will take over as Theatrical Outfit’s artistic director next June after Tom Key steps down. This marks the 43-year-old professional theatre’s sixth artistic director, with Key in the position for the last 25 years.
“Our search committee was blown away by the interest in this position, which came from 56 individuals, including several outstanding candidates from Atlanta as well as cities and states across the country,” Theatrical Outfit Board Chairman Ed Laity shared in a statement. “The quality of the applicants was high caliber, which made the vetting process very difficult.”
Matt Torney 
Tom Key
Key will remain at Theatrical Outfit through next year, capping off his career in May with a full-circle moment as he stars in Cotton Patch Gospel, his beloved 1981 musical co-written by Key, Harry Chapin, Jr., and Russell Treyz.
“Matt emerged as a leader who is truly ready to serve our world with the glorious gifts of the theatre. In his already successful and impactful career, he models our values: artistry, community, inclusion, and integrity. He embraces our vision and mission. In short, Matt is a joy. I know deep in my soul, he has the heart, the mind, and the character to take our beloved Theatrical Outfit to its brightest and best level yet.”
Currently serving as associate artistic director at the prominent Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C., Belfast, Ireland native Torney earned an MFA in Theatre Directing from Columbia University. He calls Key an “inspirational leader,” saying, “[Key] has done incredible work at Theatrical Outfit over the past 25 years. I am overjoyed to have his enthusiastic endorsement, and look forward to working with him on a mindful and smooth transition. Our philosophies are aligned and embodied in Theatrical Outfit’s mission to start conversations that matter—conversations that can lead to a more compassionate and just community.”
Theatrical Outfit’s ’19-’20 season
Our Town & The Laramie Project In Repertory: August 27 – September 29, 2019
Safety Net (A World Premiere): October 16 – November 10, 2019
The Wickhams Christmas at Pemberley: November 27 – December 29, 2019
Slow Food (Atlanta Premiere): January 22 – February 16, 2020
Indecent (Atlanta Premiere): March 4 – 29, 2020
Cotton Patch Gospel: April 22 – May 17, 2020
Visit www.TheatricalOutfit.org for more information.
