Sag Harbor - The husband and wife team of Steve Hamilton and Emma Walton will no longer oversee day-to-day operations at Bay Street Theatre. The duo will be stepping into new consulting roles this month.

Executive Director Hamilton and Walton, Director of Education and Programming for Young Audiences, are two of the theatre's three co-founders along with Co-Artistic Director Sybil Christopher.

"Emma and I are immensely proud of what Bay Street has accomplished over the years," Hamilton commented regarding the change in management of the theater. "After sixteen years, it is time for a change. We hope to continue to enjoy a long and happy relationship with the Theatre, and will of course support it in every way we can, going forward."

"Bay Street will always be a cherished part of our lives," Walton added. "The Theatre has a wonderful season lined up, and the education programs are the strongest they've ever been. It's an honor to have been a part of creating something that is now considered a cultural and economic anchor in our community."

Bay Street's Chairman of the Board Frank Filipo commented on the change, saying, "The value of Steve's and Emma's years of service to this theater can not be overstated. They have indeed helped to create and nurture something quite special. Their relationship with the Theatre, though changing, will continue to be important. Speaking quite personally," Filipo added, "Steve and Emma are inextricably part of the Bay Street family. I look forward to working with both of them and to their ongoing contributions toward Bay Street's future."

Theatre co-founders Emma Walton, Steve Hamilton and Sybil Christopher.

The husband and wife team will consult with the theatre on educational programming and development, while pursing other creative projects. Walton is a published children's book author, having co-written 16 titles in partnership with her mother, Julie Andrews. She serves as the editorial director for the Julie Andrews Collection publishing program, and also acts as a freelance children's book editor. Hamilton teaches acting classes and conducts a private coaching practice. Continuing to live in Sag Harbor, both Walton and Hamilton are reportedly pursuing independent writing projects as well.

Bay Street's management has also announced a new post for Murphy Davis, the Theatre's co-artistic director, and Gary Hygom, the Theatre's producer. Together they have been named interim co-executive directors. Long time members of the Bay Street Management team, Davis and Hygom will continue to work with Co-Artistic Director Sybil Christopher, a third founder of the Theatre, on day-to-day management.

The 2008 Bay Street season will begin on Memorial Day weekend (May 23 through May 25) with special performances by Broadway star Betty Buckley. The season's first full production, "Shanghai Moon" starring Charles Busch, will run from June 3 to June 29. "Beyond Therapy" starring three-time Tony Award Nominee and Emmy award winner Kate Burton, will open on July 8 and run through July 27. The summer season closes with the Fats Waller musical "Ain't Misbehavin'", running from Aug. 5 to Aug. 31.