Metropolis exec. director to step down

Jim Jarvis, the executive director of the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, is stepping down after three years, theater officials announced this weekend.

Jarvis said his last day as executive director will be Oct. 28, with hopes that he can now spend more time with his wife, Tanya, and 5-year old son, Wil.

“It was not an easy decision,” says Jarvis, who also has appeared onstage as an actor, writer, teacher and director at Metropolis. “But with everything that goes on here and all that we do, I keep finding myself away from home for well over half the year.”

Metropolis officials already have formed a search committee to determine the strengths they seek in the next director.

“Jim has done a phenomenal job with helping the organization continue to build a lot of successful relationships, both internally and within the arts community, as well as with the village (of Arlington Heights) and the general community,” says Phillip Collins, Metropolis board president.

Under Jarvis’ leadership, the theater pumped between $1.4 and $1.6 million into the local economy, with a significant portion of that coming from patrons living outside of Arlington Heights, Collins said.

“Metropolis has become a significant fixture in downtown Arlington Heights,” Collins says, “and a destination that’s brought people in from other suburbs.”

The village has a vested interest in the next Metropolis director, since it purchased the theater space in late 2004.

Jarvis’ departure will be the second change among the theater’s front office in the last six months. Brad Dunn, its marketing and communications director, left in April.

“We’ve weathered some tough economic times and continued to stay strong,” Collins says. “We’re committed to moving forward, and maintaining those strong relationships that Jim built.”

Jarvis insists he will remain active with the Metropolis, on the creative side rather than its administrative staff. He will continue to collaborate with resident writer, Scott Woldman on their “Bikerman and the Jewish Avenger” comedy series.

“Metropolis is not one person,” Jarvis says. “It’s a community of artists, professional staff, educators, volunteers, subscribers, donors and sponsors, all coming together to support an amazing cause.”

“It’s all of those people who have made Metropolis what it is,” he adds, “and it will be all of those people that will take Metropolis to the next level.”