Orpheum Welcomes Ron Jewell as VP of Centre Operations

The Memphis Development Foundation (MDF), which operates the historic Orpheum Theatre, announces that Ron Jewell, current Director of the Bartlett Performing Arts Center, will join the MDF staff as Vice-President of Operations at the forthcoming Centre for Performing Arts Education. The $14.5 million Centre is expected to formally open in August of this year.

"Ron brings a tremendous amount of experience to the role," says Orpheum President and CEO Pat Halloran. "I've known Ron for well over 30 years, and I've always respected his many talents in bringing notable artists to Bartlett and making BPAC so successful."

Jewell, a native Memphian, has served as Director of the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center since 1999 and was instrumental in the development of a concept that combined the City of Bartlett's need for both a cultural venue and conference facility. He was formerly the Marketing Director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra during Maestro Alan Balter's tenure; Director of Entertainment and Promotions with The Peabody Hotel; and Account Executive with Susan Bloch and Co. in New York City, an arts management and public relations firm representing music, dance, Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre. Ron is also widely identified for his own touring one-man theatrical show, "Mark Twain At-Large".

Jewell's initial responsibilities for the new Orpheum Centre include determining additional uses for the Centre's many marketable spaces. He will also be partnering with Alice Roberts, Vice President of Education, as they continue to develop and expand the Centre's program initiatives for the Memphis community. Mr. Jewell will begin his new role at the Orpheum in May.

In recent years as many as 66,000 students and teachers have participated in the Orpheum's annual arts programming. To accommodate this incredible growth, the Orpheum embarked on his largest capital project to date: the Orpheum Centre for Performing Arts & Education. The 39,000 square-foot facility will offer advanced performing arts education programs to enhance the Orpheum's position as a respected national venue and allow the theatre to increase the availability of time and space to meet its primary goal of serving patrons of all ages from across the Mid-South.

This programming will be expanded to include various areas of leadership, development, and personal growth opportunities for students of all ages. A working list of these activities includes the following:

· Management practices and principles for non-profit professionals

· A documentary film series

· Inspirational speaker presentations by renowned local professionals across all disciplines

· Opportunities for wellness and personal development

· Courses in financial responsibility for students and young adults

· Coursework that allows students to explore and discover the City of Memphis

· Art installations showcasing local and student artists