Michael Bollinger Named Director of Bartlett Performing Arts Center

The City of Bartlett, in greater Memphis, Tennessee named Michael Bollinger the Director of the Bartlett Performing Arts Center. Bollinger has spent his career as a professional producer - director - actor.

Most recently Bollinger served as Executive Artistic Director of the Louisa Arts Center near Charlottesville, Virginia. His work placed the Louisa Arts Center on the map, introducing cultural programs like Music & Wine At Sundown, Youth Theatre, Little Theatre and Films. LAC Board President, LaVahn Hoh, stated, "Michael showed us what can be done with an arts center. Michael will be missed! His out-of- the-box thinking increased attendance in our Performing Arts Series over 400%."

Prior to Virginia, Bollinger served as Director of the South Orange Performing Arts Center in greater New York City. HeH He started the innovative Blues in the Loft and Jazz In The Loft Series. He fostered partnerships with Juilliard and Giants Of Jazz. The musical, "Rated P - For Parenthood", premiered a SOPAC. Many Broadway stars performed there: Ben Vereen, Anthony Rapp, Tom Wopat, Adam Pascal and Norbert Leo Butz.

Bollinger served as long-time Artistic Director of Missouri's Lyceum Theatre, was inaugural Director of Virginia's Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and founded Mainstage Theatre.

He has produced &/or directed 200 theatrical productions, including the American regional theatre premiere of "AIDA", and the Amas Musical Theatre musical "The Buck Stops Here" which played the Smithsonian Institution. He mounted 500 concerts and events including Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winners. Bollinger's work is a recipient of the Missouri Arts Award, a Governor's Proclamation and a commendation from President Clinton.

Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald said Bollinger answered the city's national ads searching for a new director. "He's been doing all the right things required in that job for 30 years."

Bollinger says, "I am delighted to call the Bartlett - Memphis region home! I look forward to growing the Center."

BPACC is a full blown performing arts center opening in 1999 with a performance by Art Garfunkel. It presents a diverse season of concerts, performing arts, rental events and theatre.BPACC.org