Susan Barton to be Interim Managing Director of Geffen

Susan Barton, a twenty year veteran of the Los Angeles theater community will assume the role of managing director at the Geffen Playhouse until a nationwide search can be completed. The search, set to begin in October 2008, will be helmed by Geffen Playhouse Producing Director Gilbert Cates along with the theater's board of directors led by Chairman Frank Mancuso. Barton, who most recently acted as associate general manager at downtown's Center Theatre Group, will help guide the playhouse smoothly through the transition and fulfill all the duties of managing director.

"The leadership of a managing director is essential in order for this theater run successfully and I'm thrilled Susan has agreed to take on this role," said Producing Director Gil Cates. "When we launch the national search this fall, I hope that Susan will agree to be considered a candidate."

Barton comes to the Geffen with over 20 years experience at Center Theatre Group (CTG), first managing the Mark Taper Forum, and in recent years with the added responsibility of the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. She managed over 100 productions, co-productions, transfers and numerous special programs for CTG, and was instrumental in the commissioning of over 70 plays and musicals in her tenure there.

Stephen Eich, who tendered his resignation earlier this month, will leave the theater in mid-June and Barton will officially assume the role shortly thereafter.

The Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its eclectic mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and musicals, the Geffen continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company is headed by Producing Director and President of the Board Gilbert (Gil) Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney and Chairman of the Board Frank Mancuso. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. For more information, please visit geffenplayhouse.com.

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