Richmond Civic Theatre is heading into the second half of its season with an interim director.
The nonprofit theater’s board appointed Ryan Shaw as interim executive director after John Faas’ departure.
Shaw, who earned a degree in secondary education from Indiana University, has worked as managing director for RCT’s Stage One Youth Theatre program for several years. He began volunteering with RCT more than 20 years ago and previously worked in banking.
Shaw will oversee day-to-day operations for the full theater while a search begins for Faas’ replacement.
Adam Duke, RCT’s board president, announced in a Thursday, Jan. 22, news release that Faas had resigned from his role.
Duke said RCT celebrates Faas’ contributions and is deeply grateful for his leadership and dedication to the community theater that began in 1941.
Faas, who remained a Dayton, Ohio, resident, began working at RCT in May 2021 after serving as director of development for Columbus (Ohio) Children’s Theatre.
“During his tenure, John has supported our mission, strengthened our organization and helped guide the theater through important moments of growth and change,” Duke said. “His commitment to the arts and to our community has made a lasting impact, and we sincerely thank him for his service.”
Duke said the board is actively working to ensure a smooth transition and continued stability for the organization while high-quality theatrical experiences continue at 1003 E. Main St.
Tickets are now on sale for the Feb. 5-8 performances of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” classic mystery play.
Seats can be reserved by calling 765-962-1816, visiting the box office between 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, or visiting gorct.org.
Tickets go on sale Feb. 3 for Stage One’s performance of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical,” which runs March 13-15 and 20-22.
A version of this article appeared in the January 28 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.