John Thew Named Managing Director of Theatre Latte Da

Theater Latté Da's Board of Directors announced today that John Thew has been selected as the organization's new Managing Director effective immediately. Thew replaces Kimberly Motes who was recently appointed Vice President of Institutional Advancement at the College of Saint Benedict.

"John comes to us highly regarded and recommended not only as an accomplished arts administrator, but also as a seasoned business consultant who has been working with Minnesota-based corporations in the areas of sales, leadership, and customer service." said Theater Latté Da Board Chair Lisa Hoene.

Founding Artistic Director Peter Rothstein added, "The candidate pool was exceptional, but in the end we agreed that John brings just the right combination of experience, skill and passion. We know that his values and talents align perfectly with Theater Latté Da's mission and vision for the future."

Thew will assume all business aspects of the organization with a primary focus on operations, marketing and communications, fundraising, and financial management. Thew is the former Director of Public Relations and former Director of Development for New York's Tony Award-winning Second Stage Theatre, and a former Production Manager for Twin Cities Public Television. Most recently Thew has been a consultant for AchieveGlobal, one of the world's largest performance improvement companies dedicated to helping organizations improve sales, develop exceptional leaders, and provide stellar customer service. A New Yorker by birth, Thew has called the Twin Cities home for the past 22 years.

"I have been impressed by the caliber and strength of Theater Latté Da's board and staff," said Thew. "I look forward to helping them plan and implement strategies that serve the needs of artists and audiences now and for many years to come."

Thew added, "Theater Latté Da is well-positioned for continued growth. Peter Rothstein's work has attracted record audiences locally and is now attracting attention for Theater Latté Da at the national level. I look forward to exploring new ventures in artistic programming. I believe there is a wealth of exciting possibilities before us."

About Theater Latté Da
Theater Latté Da is a Twin Cities theater company recognized for its ability to connect artists, audiences and communities through work that is relevant, provocative, intelligent and moving. The company seeks to create new connections between story, music, artists and audience by exploring and expanding the art of musical theater. The 13th season included the hit musical Evita at the Ordway Center McKnight Theatre, and the return of the new holiday classic, All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at the Pantages Theatre. The season continues with the area premiere of Song of Extinction at the Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio, February 25-March 20, 2011 and the world premiere of Steerage Song at the Fitzgerald Theater,
June 2-5, 2011.

For more information on Theater Latté Da, please visit www.LatteDa.org or call 612-339-3003.