NEWARK, OH – Stephen F. Krempasky has been named the new Executive Director for The Midland Theatre effective January 18. Mr. Krempasky comes to The Midland after having served as Vice President Theatre Operations at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg PA. He has been in the theatre management profession for over 35 years.
Mr. Krempasky sees a great future for The Midland Theatre and is eager to build on its legacy. “While researching the Midland Theatre position I found a sound foundation of management, tradition, and community pride. Visiting Newark, I found wonderful people with energy, the resources and a vision for this Central Ohio landmark. It was an easy decision,” Krempasky said.
Paul Thompson, President of The Midland Theatre Board of Directors, sees equally great things for The Midland with Mr. Krempasky at the helm. “We are excited to have someone of Steve’s caliber on board. His excellent management background, as well as many noted artistic accomplishments will enable us to build upon the momentum created by the strong team in place at The Midland Theatre.”
Mr. Krempasky was chosen from a field of over 100 candidates from twenty two states. The search was exhaustive and has taken nearly a year to complete. Cheryl Snyder chaired the Search committee, which also included Dr. Dale Knobel, Judy Pierce and Andrew Guanciale. According to Ms. Snyder, "Steve has the energy, experience, technical savvy, and passion to lead The Midland Theatre to new levels of success."
Mr. Krempasky’s background is extensive. He earned an undergraduate degree in Theatre at West Liberty University, West Virginia, where he also designed stage scenery for several summerstock companies. In 1979 he completed his MFA in Scenic Design at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and soon became the Managing/Artistic Director of the Billings Studio Theatre of Billings, MT. After producing, directing or designing over 100 shows, he left Billings in 1988 to work as the Managing Director of the Oak Ridge Playhouse, Oak Ridge, TN. In 1990 he became the Executive Director of the Bijou Theatre Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. As the manager of East Tennessee's oldest operating theatre, circa 1909, he worked with many local performing arts groups including Theatre Knoxville and the Tennessee Stage Company. He also presented over 200 musical and touring artists while employed there and was the Chairman of the annual Knoxville Jazz and Blues Festival.
Krempasky was hired by Whitaker Center in 1996 to help construct and then manage the new facility which opened in 1999. While there he presented over 500 national touring artists and worked with 10 different local Resident Performing Arts organizations. He also volunteered yearly with the Greater Harrisburg Arts Council and Rotary Club.
Krempasky and his wife and two children will locate to the area in the coming months. “We are very much looking forward to immersing ourselves in the many activities of Licking County. This area seems to be a great fit for our family and we hope to contribute to its quality of life,” Krempasky stated.
The Newark Midland Theatre Association is a local organization dedicated to building value in our community with the positive, shared experiences of the performing arts, both locally produced and nationally recognized, in the beautifully restored Midland Theatre. Built in 1928, The Midland Theatre annually presents touring and local artists through its five performance series, inspiring arts education and community outreach programs, and other events. The Midland Theatre’s mission is enriching the lives of audiences today and tomorrow.
Pictured: Andrew Guanciale, Brandon Hess, and Andrew Hess ***PJ Sullivan also in attendance but was being interviewed by T-100 regarding the forecast of the economy for Licking County in 2010.
