Grosse Pointe Theatre Hires Marcia Scavarda as Director of Marketing and Development

Grosse Pointe Theatre has hired Marcia Scavarda for the newly created position of Director of Marketing and Development. Scavarda will be responsible for marketing and enhancing the group's brand, as well as increasing revenue-building opportunities and establishing an endowment fund. Scavarda, who is a resident of Grosse Pointe Park, was formerly the director of the Grosse Pointe Library Foundation where she was responsible for a $10 million capital campaign to build new libraries in the Grosse Pointes. She held that position from 2003 - December 2009. The position dissolved once the new libraries were built. Scavarda started her new position on March 1, 2010.

For the past 62 years, Grosse Pointe Theatre has depended on its volunteer members to raise funds, sell program ads, support outreach activities within the community, and help support every aspect of its season's theatrical productions, workshops and other activities.

"Our members have done and continue to do a remarkable job but these are challenging times, and what worked in the past is just not enough to sustain us in the future," said Kathy Conlon, president of Grosse Pointe Theatre's Board of Directors. "It has become too much to ask our volunteer members to do all that they do, in addition to full-time jobs and raising families. We need someone who can make Grosse Pointe Theatre their full-time job and represent the integrity of GPT within the community with a consistent voice."

Long-time member Theresa Selvaggio, who chaired Grosse Pointe Theatre's Advisory Council, approached Grosse Pointe Theatre's board with the idea several years ago. According to Conlon, "The timing wasn't right then. But in late 2009 the board unanimously approved the idea for the position and began the process to create a job description, place the ad and review candidates. We're delighted that Marcia Scavarda has accepted the position."

Selvaggio recruited two other long-standing volunteer members, Timothy Higgins and Patricia Ellis, and together they researched, created the position and interviewed candidates. Selvaggio also met with other local theatre groups who had similar challenges to hear how they approached the role of marketing and development.

"Having approved the first ever, full-time paid position of Director of Marketing and Development is a huge step for Grosse Pointe Theatre," said Selvaggio. "We're very grateful that our board of directors, as well as our membership, embraced this change. Marcia Scavarda has the qualifications and track record needed to help assure that the future of Grosse Pointe Theatre is strong and successful. We are excited to welcome her to our theatre family."

Grosse Pointe Theatre has more than 350 members. The group puts on five main stage productions annually at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium, produces shows for its Purdon Studio Theatre, and has a successful Youth on Stage program for children and the Encore Players for its seasoned performers. The group also conducts educational workshops, gives scholarships annually to area high school students to further their education in the performing arts, and raises thousands of dollars each year to donate to area charities.

"This is a new and exciting challenge," said Scavarda. "I've known of Grosse Pointe Theatre's stellar reputation for theatre excellence but I had no idea of the depth and breadth of what they contribute, as a group of dedicated volunteers, to the Grosse Pointe community as well as to southeastern Michigan. I am honored to serve in this new position and will do all I can to help establish a long and successful future for Grosse Pointe Theatre."

Grosse Pointe Theatre, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization, established in 1947, made up of volunteers dedicated to the presentation of theatrical excellence. The organization offers the community a diversified theatrical fare while providing its members with opportunities for participation and training in the theatre arts. Membership in Grosse Pointe Theatre is open to all persons 18 years of age and above who have an interest in theatre. To join, or for more information go to www.gpt.org or phone 313-881-4004.

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