You have seen a lot of changes at Northern Sky Theater over the last eight years, and artistic director Jeff Herbst decided earlier this week that one more was needed. On Wednesday, the performing arts organization announced that Herbst would step down from his post with Northern Sky Theater after over 30 years. Herbst says he had planned to do this almost a decade ago, but changes with the organization caused him to stick it through. First, he suggested a name change from American Folklore Theatre to Northern Sky Theater to make it more straightforward for aspiring playwrights looking to submit their work. Then, he suggested the organization build a creative campus where all its operations would occur. Finally, the pandemic presented new challenges for performing arts groups nationwide, let alone Door County. Knowing he had the right person in place for a decade, Herbst knew it was time to take a final bow at the artistic director.

Herbst says he will stay on in an emeritus role with the organization, assisting in the transition of Northern Sky mainstay Molly Rhode as the new artistic director. The next chapter of his performing arts career includes more freelance work and directing.