VSC Announces Change in Leadership

Virginia Stage Company (VSC) introduces new leadership as they prepare to announce their upcoming schedule of shows. With talk and plans of succession over the past year and under the guidance of the VSC Board of Trustees, the board and new management hope this upcoming season will be one of growth and progress. "The new leadership structure will be nimble and flexible. It will provide the framework for continued Artistic Excellence." Dr. Sarah Clarkson, President VSC Board of Trustees.

Former Artistic Director, Chris Hanna, and Managing Director, Keith Stava, have shifted roles in the company. Chris Hanna is now VSC's Director of Artistic Vision and will continue to direct shows and help guide shows selections as Patrick Mullins steps into the role of Interim Artistic Director. Keith Stava has taken on a role focusing on fundraising. Stava is now the company's Director of Community Relations as Foster Billingsley steps up to take on leadership and daily operations. Other senior leadership members include Terry Flint, Production Manager and Ron Newman, Director of Education and Community Engagement.

Foster Billingsley brings over 20 years of experience in all aspects of professional theater and arts management and began his role as General Manager at VSC just over a year ago. Billingsley formerly served as Deputy Director and Executive Director at the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Patrick Mullins is no stranger to VSC either, where he first landed just about ten years ago, and took a break in the middle to return to education and teaching in Georgia. Mullins has adapted and directed such collaborative works as Midsummer Fantasy Fest in partnership with Festevents, The Taming of the Shrew, produced this past spring at VSC featuring local band DJP and MrT and an upcoming project, The Tempest, in collaboration with The Virginia Arts Festival, VSC and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Virginia Stage Company is Southeastern Virginia's leading theater destination, serving an audience of over 70,000 annually both at the Wells Theatre and throughout the community. VSC's mission is to "enrich, educate and entertain the region by creating and producing theatrical art of the highest quality."