Slow Burn Theatre Hires First Managing Director

Slow Burn Theatre's Board of Directors has appointed Michael Mendillo as Managing Director of the nine-year-old nonprofit. In this newly created role, Mendillo will oversee all administrative aspects, focusing on development and operations of the Broward Center's resident local theatre. Mendillo joins the theatre's co-founders Patrick Fitzwater and Matthew Korinko as he begins his duties on April 3, 2018.

The company is expanding its staff capacity to support the organization's commitment to providing South Florida with contemporary and intelligent works of musical theatre. After originating at West Boca High School, Slow Burn's superb and consistent productions catapulted the company to be invited as the in-house professional musical theatre Production Company at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in 2015.

"I am thrilled that our board has selected Michael as our new Managing Director," said Slow Burn's Board of Director's President, Mark Traverso. "He is an accomplished local leader in arts administration. His commitment to Slow Burn's mission and values, extensive fundraising experience and impressive network make him the ideal candidate to lead us into our next stage of growth and development."

Holding a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership and Management from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, Mendillo most recently served as Director of Development for the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida where he doubled contributed revenue in his two-year tenure.

"It is such an exciting time to be joining Slow Burn Theatre," Mendillo said. "I have been a fan of Slow Burn since my move to South Florida and am consistently amazed at how Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater reimagines musicals utilizing local talent for South Florida audiences. I am looking forward to assisting the co-founders and the board of directors as they bring unique, high-quality musical theatre experiences to Broward, Miami-Dade counties and beyond."