Richard Leaving Second Stage

The woman who ushered off-Broadway nonprofit Second Stage Theatre onto Broadway with the purchase of the Helen Hayes Theatre is ushering herself out of Second Stage.

Ellen Richard will step down as executive director of Second Stage on June 30, according to published reports. Richard joined the company three years ago after working at Roundabout Theatre Company.

Under her leadership, Second Stage not only agreed to acquire the Helen Hayes, but it was the launch pad for the musical Next to Normal, which just won Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Orchestrations.

No word yet on why she is leaving or where she's headed.