Dallas Summer Musicals Names Interim Managing Director

The Dallas Summer Musicals announced today the beginning of "a new generation" of leadership at DSM, the non-profit institution that has delivered Broadway musical theater to North Texas for 76 years. David Hyslop, 73, a distinguished arts expert and administrator who assisted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in a key transition period, was named Interim Managing Director of DSM. He replaces Michael Jenkins, who has been the President and Managing Director of DSM since 1995. Jenkins's departure is effective immediately.

Ted Munselle, DSM's volunteer Chairman, said DSM is fortunate that a seasoned veteran, such as David Hyslop, is available to assist the organization in this transition period.

"David knows Dallas; he knows the arts community very well," said Munselle. "He immediately recognized the future opportunities for DSM and the Music Hall. Most importantly, he is a bridge builder, someone who wants to help us establish a collaborative partnership with the people who care deeply about Dallas, Fair Park and DSM's leadership in the arts."

DSM's Chair-Elect Randy Wright also praised Hyslop's appointment saying he expects the new Interim Managing Director to push the Music Hall at Fair Park as an important venue in the competition for meetings and other entertainment events.

"The Music Hall is a fabulous under-used city asset that can buoy the community's effort to create a revitalized destination at Fair Park," said Wright. "The Music Hall should be competing with local venues and nearby locations in other states for the best concerts and corporate events," said Wright. "It has the best sound system in North Texas; that's what makes the Music Hall the best venue for Broadway productions."

Hyslop, a respected arts veteran who has led and consulted myriad arts organizations including theaters, has agreed to serve as DSM's Interim Managing Director while its Board launches a search for a permanent Managing Director.

"I see DSM as a stable and beloved institution," said Hyslop, "and it is a key anchor at Fair Park, bringing in the most visitors outside the State Fair. Nevertheless, it has huge unrealized potential to have a bigger regional presence for both the entertainment dollars from theater-goers as well as financial support from the community. There's a lot of work to be done by all stakeholders of the DSM family."

Hyslop met with DSM staff and key personnel Monday morning.

"Clearly, they want to focus on a turnaround for DSM," said Hyslop. "We also have the presentation of Wicked right now. I saw a group of people dedicated to the principle that, 'the show must go on,' and I am confident this will be a seamless transition for theater-goers."

Munselle said board members are not in a position to discuss the departure of Michael Jenkins.

"The details are still being worked out," said Munselle. "When we can discuss this personnel issue further, we will."

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