Barrel of Monkeys' Executive Director to Step Down

Barrel of Monkeys' Board of Directors today announced that Amanda Farrar will be stepping down as the company's Executive Director at the end May, after serving nearly six years in the post. Longtime Barrel of Monkeys Company Member Gwen Tulin will serve as Interim Executive Director during the search for a new Executive Director.

Farrar was hired as the organization's third Executive Director in August 2009. In her time with Barrel of Monkeys, Farrar revolutionized program assessment, developed four new staff positions, continued a legacy of 18 years of exceptional financial standing, spearheaded two large strategic planning processes, excelled in board development projects and raised the organization's professionalism and influence in the field.

In a joint statement, Barrel of Monkeys Program Director Elizabeth Levy and Artistic Director Joseph Schupbach commented, "It is with mixed emotions that we say farewell to Amanda. For the past six years, the company, staff and board have all benefited from her skilled leadership, the unique blend of enthusiasm, ambition and acumen she brought to all aspects of Barrel of Monkeys' growth, and the great love and respect that she brought to fulfilling our mission of celebrating the power of children's imaginations. We are excited for her next adventure, and at the same time, incredibly sad to see her go."

Adds Farrar, "I can't capture in a short statement what Barrel of Monkeys has meant to me over the years. The impact we collectively make on students is significant, and I'm so proud of having played a part in celebrating every single student with whom we've worked. And, as is the way in arts organizations, when you come on staff, you are also being brought into an artistic family. Having been part of this community has been a gift. I will always be a supporter of Barrel of Monkeys and look forward to watching the exciting future unfold."

Gwen Tulin joined Barrel of Monkeys in 2012 as an ensemble member. She was previously the company's Music Director and is an active performing company member. In addition to her artistic work, Gwen is the Artistic Director for Brain Surgeon Theater and was General Manager of Gorilla Tango Bucktown. She served on the Fundraising and Finance committee for Barrel of Monkey's most recent Strategic Plan, and is currently part of BOM's Marketing committee. Originally from Lexington, Massachusetts, Tulin is a graduate of Brandeis University.