New Jersey Theatre Alliance Welcomes Development and Communications Director

Ruth Zamoyta of Summit, NJ, has joined the New Jersey Theatre Alliance as Development & Communications Director. Previously, Zamoyta was Communications and Projects Manager in the Office of the President at Columbia University for four years, and worked as an independent marketing, strategy, and project consultant for a variety of organizations including small businesses and non-profits.

"I am thrilled to be coming back to New Jersey in a role that helps support the arts," said Zamoyta. "Theatre is perhaps the most powerful of the arts. When we watch the actors on stage, we see ourselves up there, living through their joys and tribulations. Theatre transforms lives and nurtures communities-I am glad to have the opportunity to help make this happen on a statewide level, through the Alliance."

Zamoyta's hybrid position of development and communications makes her responsible for not only the fund development of the organization, but also the outreach and branding efforts of New Jersey's professional theatres as a whole.

"There is a good deal of overlap between development and communications," said Zamoyta. "In communications and branding efforts, we are asking the public to attend productions and make theatre part of their lives. On the development side, we are asking funders for financial support. But the rationale for both types of engagement is the same: theatre captivates, entertains, enriches lives, and builds communities, and New Jersey offers high-quality professional theatre that is accessible and affordable."

Executive Director, John McEwen remarks on the Alliance's new staff member, "I am delighted to welcome Ruth to the Alliance team. This newly created position will provide an opportunity for the Alliance to have someone dedicated to working with me and the board in our fundraising efforts, as well as finding new and innovative ways of communicating our impact to a wide range of audiences. Ruth's communication and strategic thinking skills, as well as her creativity will be a huge asset to the Alliance and our membership as we get ready to launch a new website and implement a new strategic plan."

Zamoyta is a trustee of Reeves-Reed Arboretum of Summit and a volunteer at Ragged Sky Press of Princeton, through which she has co-edited two poetry anthologies. She holds master's degrees from Columbia University and New York University, and a bachelor's degree summa cum laude from St. John's University. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women and the Fencers Club in New York City.

New Jersey Theatre Alliance is the first statewide organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States, and is a leader in developing model programs that foster collaboration, cooperation and audience development. The Alliance provides member theatres and arts patrons a wide range of supportive services and programs. The Alliance assists member theatres in their growth and development, as well as in the promotion of their programs, helping them reach their full potential. For arts patrons, the Alliance provides a variety of services to enhance their theatre-going experience.

Funding for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, is provided in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations including the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Prudential Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust and Bank of America.