ACT Theatre Welcomes New Staff, Announces Promotions

ACT - A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle's most prolific producer of live local modern theatre, announces new leadership promotions and new staffing heading into its 50th anniversary year. Founded in 1965 by Seattle theatre pioneer Gregory A. Falls, ACT has been committed to excellence in the field of live performance with a mission of raising consciousness through theatre. Executive Director Carlo Scandiuzzi and Artistic Director Kurt Beattie are thrilled to welcome new staff to the ACT Theatre team and promote dedicated leadership to new roles in the company.

· Becky Witmer - Promoted to General Manager

· Jessica Howard - Promoted to Director of Sales & Service

· Clare Hausmann Weiand - new Annual Fund Manager

· Kevin Boyer - new Director of Marketing and Communications

Becky Witmer (previously Lathrop) has been with ACT since 2011 and was the Director of Marketing and Communications. She now steps into the role of General Manager with an emphasis on identifying new revenue opportunities and stewarding a strategic vision for ACT's future. Previously Becky had worked with Intiman Theatre, Opera Colorado, and Central City Opera.

Jessica Howard began with ACT Theatre in 2011 after working locally with Seattle Symphony and Intiman Theatre. An expert in audience services and projecting revenue, Jessica has managed the Ticket Office staff and monitored ticket sales. She now takes on additional managerial duties as the Director of Sales and Services.

Clare Hausmann Weiand has been hired as the Development department's new Annual Fund Manager. She endeavors to build upon an already strong donor culture and to immerse herself and ACT's patrons, partners, and friends in the world of live theatre. Clare founded a small ballet school in Everett called The Dance School and now comes to ACT from previous jobs at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Microsoft, and Seattle Art Museum.

Kevin Boyer joins ACT Theatre after a fifteen year tenure at Olympia's Washington Center for the Performing Arts as Director of Marketing and now assumes Becky's previous position as Director of Marketing and Communications. Kevin found inspiration in ACT's high level of quality for stage productions and is excited to position ACT as a national leader in theatre. Kevin looks forward to fostering new playwrights, featuring and promoting Seattle's artistic talent, and engaging the community to bring forth a larger conversation about the importance of arts and culture to our region.