Somlyo Resigns as President of American Theatre Wing

Roy A. Somlyo has resigned his position as president and chief executive officer of the American Theatre Wing (ATW), positions he has held for five years.

His resignation is effective as of the end of June 2003; he will stay on in the interim period, will assist in selecting his replacement, and will remain as a consultant until the end of the year. “After five wonderful years at the American Theatre Wing and 37 years with the Wing’s Tony Awards, it seems a good time to step aside,” Somlyo said.

Over the course of his career, Somlyo produced or managed more than 100 Broadway and touring productions and worked on almost 50 television specials. Among his many other accomplishments with the ATW, Somlyo has helped to increase membership, to reorganize and make more efficient the organization’s general finances and board of directors, to bring the ATW offices up to date technologically (including the creation of a new website), and to spur the creation of the American Theatre Wing’s Guide to Careers.

Isabelle Stevenson, chairman of the board of the ATW and former president, said of Somlyo: “He has been so enormously helpful in all we do. I came to rely on his strength, his knowledge and expertise. The theatrical community knows him as the authority on the American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards, which he served so devotedly. I know him as a loyal friend, colleague, and tireless worker. I wish him continued success in whatever endeavors he pursues.”