Van Wezel Announces New Director of Education and Community Engagement

Mary Bensel, Executive Director for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is pleased to announce Robert Warren as the new Director of Education and Community Engagement. "He has experience, expertise and a high quality of professionalism to add to this position," said Ms. Bensel. The Education Department is funded in part through generous grants from the Van Wezel Foundation, Project Stage, Woman's Exchange, Florida Winefest & Auction, Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Publix Supermarket Charities, and Embracing Our Differences among others.

Mr. Warren is responsible for developing, implementing and managing an effective education and community outreach curriculum and supporting programs for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. In addition, he will also represent the Hall with respect to education and community outreach programs with educators, program sponsors, other governmental, educational and entertainment entities such as Manatee County Schools, Project Stage as part of the Partners in Education program with the Kennedy Center and the School Board of Sarasota County with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Education Program and the general public. The Van Wezel presents many school time performances for children and touches over 40,000 students lives each year.

Originally from Friendship, Wisconsin, Mr. Warren brings a wealth of education and theater experience, having worked at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. from 2001 through 2009. He is also one of a select group of Senior Staff who was tapped to help mentor other non-profit arts organizations through the "Arts in Crisis" initiative developed by the Kennedy Center. He now resides in Sarasota and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Sarasota County Festival of the Arts Steering Committee.

His credits include serving as the Producing Artistic Director of the Blowing Rock Stage Company where he was solely responsible for selection and casting of all main stage and children's theatre productions as well as hiring all guest directors, designers, and technicians. Prior to that, he held management roles at The Regent Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre and served in the Army as Communications Specialist for The White House. He also directed over 30 regional theatre productions and has performed on Broadway.

Mr. Warren received a Bachelor of Science/Radio, Television and Film from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. He is a member of Actors' Equity and Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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