RWS Entertainment Group Names New VP of Commercial Theater Ventures And Director Of Theatrical Development

RWS Entertainment Group (RWS), a New York City based full-service Production Company that creates award-winning custom entertainment, live events, and branded experiences worldwide, announced today the appointment of Joe Christopher as VP, Commercial Theater Ventures. Christopher will lead RWS's newly formed Theatrical and Development Department, which will produce theatrical shows for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and more. Additionally, joining the new RWS department will be legendary casting director Jay Binder who will step into the role of Director of Theatrical Development.

Christopher brings more than 12 years of experience in the industry managing a variety of projects ranging from tours to Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. He previously served as a General Manager at Richards/Climan, Inc., Troika Entertainment and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Broadway credits include: M. Butterfly, Anastasia, Significant Other, Amelie, Fiddler on the Roof, China Doll, Dames at Sea. Off-Broadway: Building The Wall. 1st National Tours: Roundabout Theatre Company's Cabaret; Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella; Sister Act; Evita; Joseph....Dreamcoat; Andrew Lloyd Weber's The Wizard of Oz (also Toronto & Paris).

While at the Kennedy Center, Christopher presented and produced over 65 productions and special events including festivals celebrating the works of August Wilson & Terrence McNally; Master Class starring Tyne Daly; Thurgood starring Laurence Fishburne and the Broadway revivals of Ragtime and Follies. Prior to the Kennedy Center, he served as the Creative Operations Director for a children's entertainment company in Niagara Falls State Park.

"RWS is beyond ready to take our 15 years of experience producing Broadway-caliber entertainment and experiences at top resorts, cruise lines, and theme parks into brick and mortar theaters and produce amazing shows for audiences around the world," said Bruston Manuel, Chief Operations Officer of RWS Entertainment Group. "I can't think of two better people than Joe and Jay to help lead this charge. Their combined experience is staggering and we're happy to have them join the RWS family."

Jay Binder is the founder of Binder Casting, which was acquired by RWS in 2016. Throughout his career, he has cast over 70 Broadway productions, including the Tony Award winning productions of The Lion King, A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder, Dames At Sea, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Gypsy, The King and I, Lost in Yonkers and Jerome Robbins' Broadway. Additionally, Binder cast every Neil Simon play from 1990 through 2009.

Binder was one of the founders and continues to be a driving force behind the highly-acclaimed Encores! Great American Musicals in Concert series at City Center in New York City. His work casting this series led to the Tony Award winning revival of Chicago. For television, he cast the Emmy Award winning series I'll Fly Away and was the East Coast Casting Director of Warner Brothers Television for five years. For film, he cast Six by Sondheim (HBO), Hairspray, Dreamgirls, Chicago, and Nine. He is the recipient of twelve Artios Awards, the highest honor in Casting. He has been an artistic consultant for Disney World and National Artists Management Company. He was creative consultant on the PBS special, My Favorite Broadway, The Love Songs, hosted by Julie Andrews. Most recently Mr. Binder directed the workshop of Love and Other Fables. On Broadway, he was the associate director of Lolita and Happy New Year. He has worked as a director at numerous regional theaters across the country. Those credits include Present Laughter at The Acting Company, Rex, Jumbo, and Best Foot Forward at The York Theatre Company, and Say Yes!, at the Berkshire Theatre Festival.

The new Theatrical and Development department transforms the Emmy Award-winning RWS into a one-of-a-kind company that brings producing, creative development, general management, production management, casting, wardrobe, rehearsal studios and other production services under one roof, saving producers time and money.

RWS can leverage current staff, relationships, brand partnerships, and resources to develop new content and IP for the commercial theatre on Broadway, on the road, and in non-traditional spaces around the world. RWS will now be able to utilize its vast resources to not only provide shows and experiences to 32 theme parks, 17 cruise ships, 10 resorts and over 100 corporate events in 2018, but also develop and produce commercial theatre and arena shows for Broadway and touring markets.

Operating out of a 40,000 square foot office and rehearsal studio complex together with performer housing in New York City, Emmy Award-winning RWS Entertainment Group is North America's largest provider of branded stage shows and experiences.

Founded in 2003, led by Ryan Stana, CEO & Bruston Manuel, COO, the multi-award winning live entertainment Production Company has produced innovative productions and custom brand experiences for top resorts, cruise lines, theme parks, corporate events and NYC fashion events for an impressive roster of clients that include Holland America Line, Hard Rock Resorts, Prada, NBCUniversal, Cedar Fair, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, Westfield, Macy's, Vera Wang, Mattel, to name a few. RWS is now the foremost turn-key solution in the industry, providing full design and installation services for interactive experiences, theming, décor and more, to create unparalleled immersive experiences.

In July 2016, RWS acquired 12-time Artios Award-winning Binder Casting, a leading casting firm for Broadway, film, television and commercials. For more information about RWS Entertainment Group, please visit rwsnyc.com, bindercasting.com, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.