Casey Reitz Appointed Executive Director of Second Stage Theatre

Casey Reitz, who is currently serving as the Director of Development at The Public Theater, has been named Executive Director at Second Stage Theatre, announced Founder and Artistic Director Carole Rothman. Mr. Reitz will join the award-winning company full-time in early September.

Casey Reitz is currently the Director of Development at The Public Theater in New York City where he is responsible for contributed revenue representing 70% of the Public's annual $21M budget in addition to a $35M capital campaign to renovate the Public's historic headquarters at 425 Lafayette Street. Prior to coming to The Public, he held the position of Director of Individual Giving at the Manhattan Theatre Club. Earlier in his career, Casey was the Director of Development at Actor's Express in Atlanta, GA and a Consultant for Webb Management Services, an Arts Management Consulting Firm in New York. He has been a guest lecturer at Yale University and New York University. He holds a MFA in Theater Management from Yale University and a BA in Theatre from the University of Alabama.

"I am very pleased to welcome Casey to the Second Stage team and know that he will be a strong addition to the company as we head into a very exciting period of growth," states Second Stage Theatre Founder and Artistic Director Carole Rothman. "I have known Casey for some time and have continually been impressed with his knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm and I look forward to his insightful leadership over the coming years."

Second Stage Theatre Board of Trustees Chairman Stephen Sherrill adds, "Casey is the perfect person to help build upon Second Stage's ongoing achievements as we enter into our 32nd season. His leadership potential and extensive experience with the funding community is a tremendous asset to Second Stage and we are very pleased to welcome him to the company."

Mr. Reitz adds, "Having the opportunity to be part of the leadership at Second Stage is a dream come true. It's an honor to join such a beloved institution, particularly at a time when it is bursting with energy and creativity. Second Stage is embarking on an exciting path to become a Broadway fixture, and I am thrilled to join the incredibly talented staff and passionate and dedicated Board to help make that happen."

Second Stage Theatre CURRENT AND UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS

Second Stage Theatre is currently concluding its 31st season with the world premiere of Paul Weitz's dark comedy Trust, directed by Peter DuBois and starring Zach Braff, Bobby Cannavale, Sutton Foster and Ari Graynor, beginning previews July 23 and opening on August 12. Second Stage Theatre's acclaimed Uptown series continues this summer with the comedy Bachelorette, written by Leslye Headland and directed Trip Cullman. Currently in previews, the production opens on July 26.

The company's upcoming 2010-2011 season will feature the World Premiere of By the Way, Meet Vera Stark, the new comedy from Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage (Ruined, Intimate Apparel), directed by Jo Bonney, as well as the New York Premiere of Rajiv Joseph's Gruesome Playground Injuries, directed by Tony nominee Scott Ellis. The season will also include a new production of Arthur Kopit's 1978 drama Wings, directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle (Sweeney Todd, Company), and a fourth production still to be announced.

Second Stage Theatre is currently represented on Broadway by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal.

Second Stage Theatre AT THE Helen Hayes

Second Stage Theatre has acquired the right to purchase the historic Helen Hayes Theatre, located at 240 W. 44th Street. With this new home, Second Stage will be the only theatre company on Broadway dedicated exclusively to the development and presentation of contemporary American theatrical productions. Second Stage will also become one of only four non-profit theatre companies that own and operate theatres on Broadway. The company will continue to lease and operate their original theatres on the city's Upper West Side and in Midtown Manhattan.

Need more Off-Broadway Theatre News in your life? Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...