Kevin Couch Resigns as Kennedy Center Programming SVP After Brief Tenure
Kevin Couch has resigned as Senior Vice President of Artistic Programming at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His resignation, which occurred less than two weeks after his appointment on January 16, was announced on Wednesday. Sources indicate that Couch did not offer a reason for his departure.
Background on Kevin Couch’s Career
Before joining the Kennedy Center, Couch held the position of Director of Programming at ATG Entertainment. His abrupt resignation marks him as the second high-profile programming executive to exit the organization within four months.
Previous Executive Departure
His predecessor, Jeffrey Finn, left the Kennedy Center in September. Finn had served nearly a decade, managing touring Broadway productions and musicals produced at the center.
Current Challenges at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center is experiencing a period of uncertainty. Recent events contributing to this instability include:
- The Washington National Opera’s decision to relocate its performances.
- Composer Philip Glass’s withdrawal of a planned symphony premiere earlier this week.
The combination of these events indicates a challenging climate at the Kennedy Center, raising concerns about its future programming and operations.
