Contact: Christine
Arnison
Telephone: (513) 921-5965
Email: madcap@fuse.net
Madcap Production Puppet Theatre is pleased to announce that
a search is underway for a permanent Artistic Director to lead Madcap into
its next 25 years. The position has been filled on an interim basis by Dylan
Shelton since the 2005 death of Jerry Handorf, Madcap’s co-founder and Artistic
Director. Madcap’s Board of trustees
has formed a Search Committee under the leadership of Betsy Neyer. Neyer is
the past president of Madcap, a member of the executive committee, and has
been a board member for over six years. She brings a deep knowledge and experience
of Madcap, as well as her leadership abilities, to the position.
Committee members include board and staff, as well as
theatre arts experts. During its
initial working sessions, the committee established the search criteria and
expectations for the new Artistic Director. “Acknowledging the unique talents
and genius of the late Jerry Handorf”, Neyer noted, “it is not our goal to
replace Jerry, but rather to find the artistic leader who will build on the
wealth of his legacy. Creativity and originality are Madcap hallmarks. The
individual we seek will be committed to what makes Madcap unique: original
productions with unexpected twists, world literature woven into enthralling and
magical presentations, and the all-important giant puppets with the ability to
WOW!”
Madcap has engaged
the Cincinnati search firm Baldwin Gilman (www.baldwingilman.com) to facilitate
the process of identifying and evaluating qualified candidates. “Baldwin Gilman was our choice for several
reasons”, says Lori Jeffries, President of the Madcap Board of Trustees and
a partner at the law firm Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP. ” We appreciate
their strong track record in non-profit searches and long history in serving
Cincinnati’s key personnel staffing needs.
We are also pleased with their commitment to the community of Cincinnati,
including their recognition of the arts as one of this area’s crown jewels.”
Baldwin Gilman’s non-profit clients include the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber,
Hebrew Union College, United Way of Cincinnati and Habitat for Humanity.
The search will be conducted regionally as well as extend
into targeted markets throughout the U.S.
The goal is to conclude the search and name a new Artistic Director by
June 2006.
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Madcap
Productions Puppet Theatre is recognized nationally for its original
productions; wide array of educational programs, including in-school
residencies and workshops; specially commissioned educational programs and
productions; and collaborations that include symphony and chamber orchestras,
ballet, opera, museum and other arts organizations.
For nearly a quarter century Madcap Puppet Theatre, the nation’s largest touring puppet theatre, has toured the country bringing original giant puppet performances to schools, libraries, theaters and large audience venues. Last season Madcap’s audiences exceeded 500,000 nationwide. In the Greater Cincinnati Area more than 125,000 children and their families see Madcap performances at schools, libraries, theaters, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Cincinnati Zoo, Coney Island, and many more neighborhood locations.
For additional information about Madcap, touring
performances, special events and more call (513) 921-5965 or visit our
website: www.madcappuppets.com.