Pumpkin Theatre 'Picks' New Artistic Director Kinstle From Local Patch

Pumpkin Theatre announces the hiring of new Artistic Director James (Jimi) Kinstle effective August 3, 2009. Mr. Kinstle is a graduate of Towson University's Theatre Program, spent eight years running Baltimore Shakespeare Festival (BSF) and is the current Board President for The Baltimore Theatre Alliance. This transition to children's theatre seems consistent for Kinstle, "At BSF we reached 15,000 children a year with our education programs. The Teen Performance Program was a part of our professional season. I have always had an affinity for developing young, local talent - on stage, back stage, administratively - also creating the next generation of patron and donor. Children's theatre is often first contact. I look forward to providing a quality experience on that first contact."

Pumpkin Theatre was founded in 1967 to "entertain, educate and delight children". It has grown to become a resource for elementary and pre-schools. With five main stage productions and five Kinderseries productions, Pumpkin Theatre reaches in the neighborhood of 20,000 children audience members annually. "Pumpkin Theatre has a deep, rich connection to the community," Says Kinstle, "Thousands of Baltimoreans have had a ‘Pumpkin experience'. We look to draw on and strengthen that connection."

The 2009/2010 season includes Pinocchio (Sept/Oct), Sleeping Beauty (Dec), A Winnie the Pooh Birthday Tail (Feb.), The Frog Prince (March) and The Emperor's New Clothes (May). A five show subscription can be purchased for $48. For specific dates and times, or to download an order form, visit www.pumpkintheatre.com.

This year's Kinderseries includes Mood Music for Munchkins (Dec), 3 Japanese Folk Tales (March), Mother Goose's Rhyme Time Surprise (April) and Three Little Tails (May). These shows are targeted for 3 to 6 year olds and take place at the Baltimore Museum of Art. For dates, times and prices, visit www.pumpkintheatre.com.