Diversionary Theatre announces new leadership amid search for Artistic Director

Stephen Brotebeck to serve as interim artistic director

As noted in previous reporting, Diversionary Theatre is expanding its leadership staff in the wake of Executive Artistic Director Matt Morrow and his partner, who was Director of Education, leaving for roles in the bay area. While those new positions were revealed, it was not until today that Diversionary Theatre announced who would be joining the nation’s third-eldest LGBTQ+ theater. The names include Stephen Brotebeck, Wilfred Paloma, Jesse Marchese, Kian Kline Chilton and MG Green.

stephen brotebeck photo credit sarah jenkins — Stephen Brotebeck (Photo courtesy Sarah Jenkins)

With two departures in the top brass, Diversionary is restructuring to fit the model most other theaters have with an Executive Director and Artistic Director partnering to lead the theater. Jenny Case was promoted to Executive Director while the national search for a permanent Artistic Director is ongoing. In the mean time, Stephen Brotebeck will serve as interim artistic director.

Before leaving, Morrow selected the 38th season of plays and musicals for the theater so it is now up to Brotebeck and Case, along with the board, to bring that vision to life. Brotebeck has directed and choreographed at Diversionary before, including the recent “Head over Heels.” He also works as a professor in the MFA Musical Theatre program at San Diego State University.

“It is an honor to help continue the artistic legacy of Diversionary Theatre through this exciting transition period,” said Brotebeck in a statement. “I am looking forward to working with Jenny Case and the amazing team of artists and staff that she and Matt have assembled. Creating theater that reflects the diversity of our community at Diversionary is more important than ever. It is a privilege to have the chance to give back to this ground breaking institution. It truly feels like coming home.”

With former Director of Education Skyler Sullivan leaving, Wilfred Paloma is taking on that role and is also named the new Director of Community Engagement. Paloma previously lead Teen-Versionary and directed productions for the theater. Paloma is a trained facilitator in Augusto Boal’s Forum Theatre and has contributed to multiple theater-based educational vehicles that have served San Diego and the greater community. These programs include Human Trafficking awareness and prevention, anti-racism training, diversity and belonging training, mental health awareness, and more.

“Stepping into this role at Diversionary feels like coming home,” said Paloma in a press release. “For years, I have been working in various programs, coming to this theater as a patron and performing here. The opportunity to bring my work as an educator and artist together in service to this theater and our community is a huge honor. I also recognize that in a time when visibility, diversity and inclusion are being challenged, it takes people with compassion and vision in positions of power to innovate and bring about needed change. That is what I am called to do, and it is certainly what I aim to do with my time at Diversionary.”

An SDSU theater program alum, Kian Kline Chilton was hired as the new Artistic Producer. They have worked on several projects at Diversionary, including “The High Table,” as well as other local theaters like the Old Globe. Kiki is the founder of Patchwork Theatre Company, a collective dedicated to the uprising of immersive artists in San Diego. They have a passion for pushing the boundaries of what theatre can be by experimenting in its different forms.

“As a genderfluid artist, it is incredible to be given this opportunity to uplift the vast pool of queer talent and stories that are being made right now,” said Chilton. “This company and the work that is produced is sensational and I am thrilled to be a part of the evolution that’s happening here. We will miss Matt dearly, but I am confident in our ability to carry the torch. The great work continues.”

The final two appointments are promotions from within. Jesse Marchese is being elevated from Donor and Patron Services Manager to Director of Development and Resident Dramaturg. MG Green has been promoted to General Manager.

“I’m delighted to be stepping into the joint roles of Development Director and Resident Dramaturg, as this new position allows me to combine the two things I love doing most at a mission-driven and value-aligned organization that I greatly admire,” said Marchese. “I look forward to bringing everything I have learned in my career as a fundraiser, theater administrator, artist, dramaturg, and LGBTQIA+ theater historian to this position, which will allow me to connect the dots between our artistic programming and our fundraising efforts. By telling the story of our organization, our history, and our legacy, I hope to ignite renewed passion and support for our vital work here in San Diego.”