Civic Theatre Welcomes New Managing Director John Hedges

Civic Theatre is pleased to announce the hiring of new Managing Director, John Hedges. As managing director, Hedges will be responsible for all business operations of Civic Theatre including supervision of the administrative staff, overseeing programs, operations and budget, and long-range and annual planning.

Hedges most recently served as Executive Director of the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana, one of the oldest and largest community-based theatres in the country. While there he developed and instituted a new strategic plan and branding initiative, restructured the company to balance and stabilize its finances, and spearheaded the most successful fundraising event in the theatre's history, raising over $100,000 to commemorate its 100th Anniversary. Prior to that, Hedges served as Executive Director of Weathervane Playhouse in Akron, Ohio for seven years where he led the theatre into a new era of vitality.

Hedges has spent his entire career in the theatre business as an actor and administrator. He was a professional actor for over 20 years and spent ten seasons in the Resident Acting Company at the historic Barter Theatre in Virginia. His primary role though has been in administration including Business Director for Gloucester Stage Company.

"We're thrilled and fortunate to have someone with John's background in theatre management come to Civic," says Sharon Glassman, President of the Board of Directors. "John stood out to our search committee for his leadership style, and his ability to gain consensus and build enthusiasm. John has a solid understanding of the business side of theatre as well as a deep appreciation for the artistic vision of this organization."

In addition to administrative duties, Hedges will be responsible for expanding Civic Theatre's recognition as an integral part of the community, leading fundraising efforts and forging partnerships and relationships that enhance Civic's programming. Hedges will also work hand-in-hand with Artistic Director, William Sanders, on promotion of all live theatre productions.

"Civic is one of the top-tier, community-based theatres in the country and I am honored to have been named its new Managing Director," says Hedges. "I look forward to working in partnership with the theatre's outstanding Artistic Director William Sanders, the dedicated staff and board of Civic, as well the entire Lehigh Valley community to advance the theatre's vitally important artistic and educational programming."

Civic is poised for continued success and growth as they start the 2015-2016 season with the nearly sold-out The Addams Family musical, followed by the popular A Christmas Carol, the continuation of our popular Marquee events, and our annual Tonys and Tapas event. This year, Civic will also continue its popular film series and Theatre School, which introduces hundreds of children to the joys of theatre each year.

"It's an exciting time to be part of Civic Theatre and we look forward to someone of John's caliber leading us on this adventure," says Glassman.

Hedges has a degree in Speech Communications/Theatre Arts from Indiana State University, studied acting at the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Delaware, and holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Stafford University.

About Civic Theatre: Civic Theatre of Allentown, a non-profit theatre with deep roots in its community and excellence as its primary objective, produces exceptionally crafted live theatre, Programs the regions longest continually operated year-round art house film series, and is home to the oldest continually operated theater education program in the Lehigh Valley.

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