WAM Theatre Announces Appointment Of Four New Board Members

WAM Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of four new board members. Carolyn Butler, Margaret Fluhr, Ellen Ring, and Diane Scott join newly elected Board President Wendy Healey, Vice President Arwen Lowbridge, Secretary Lynn Festa, and WAM Co-Founder and Artistic Director Kristen Van Ginhoven, to lead the Berkshire-based company into its second decade.

"As we head into our second decade we have immense gratitude as we reflect on the service of all our past board members. All of them, especially our three past board presidents, Tammy Valicenti, Ashley Berridge, and Nicholas Webb, have been instrumental in the impact and success of WAM in our first decade," shared Kristen Van Ginhoven. "We thank all of our past board members for their service and are excited to start our second decade with these four new passionate advocates joining our board. We look forward to continuing to strategically expand our board as we build deeper relationships with people from across a range of perspectives who are interested in helping WAM create opportunity for women and girls through our unique mission of theatre as philanthropy."

New Board President Wendy Healey added: "We are tremendously proud of the four new board members we are adding this year. They each bring different expertise to the table, but share a passion for the art WAM creates, and the organizations we support with a portion of our box office proceeds. As we start our tenth anniversary season, we are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported our growth, and to old and new friends who will join the WAMily and help us continue our work."

Fluhr has more than 37 years of experience as a clinical social worker working to stop child abuse and neglect. She has always been an active supporter of the arts, including theater, classical music, and dance, and she frequently attends performances in Manhattan and in the Berkshires.

"As someone who has long been committed to advancing the position of women and girls, in both my personal and my professional life, I am thrilled to be a part of such an outstanding creative arts organization," said Fluhr. "WAM provides women and girls with experiences that help them to grow and develop confidence in themselves as artists and as people. Furthermore, it helps to support worthy non-profit organizations that provide a variety of services to women and girls in the entire Berkshire community and beyond. I cannot think of a better combination. "

Butler brings more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector as a fundraiser, board member, and volunteer in the areas of arts, culture, and social services.

"WAM has the unique mission of producing theatre that shines the light on the stories of women, then taking a percentage of the proceeds from this amazing work to support women and girls in our local and world community. This is a guide to how we can all help to make change in the world," Butler opined. "The staff and the artists that make WAM possible are an inspiration to me, and I feel lucky and honored to be part of this wonderful organization."

Scott is an Associate Professor in Arts Management and Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams. She specializes in creative and fine arts entrepreneurship, management, and organizational behavior.

"Initially, I wanted to join the WAM Board because I was so impressed with the quality of their artistic work," Scott explained. "Now I'm excited about both the quality of their work with and in the community to benefit women and girls."

Ring has spent the last 30 years in various areas of retail. In 2005 she started her own retail jewelry business, Ellen L Ring Ltd, specializing in buying and selling fine second-hand jewelry, which she runs online and across the country selling at antiques shows.

"I had just finished reading Half the Sky in 2012 when I met Kristen and discovered WAM. It was kismet!," Ring exclaimed. "Immediately, I wanted to be as involved as possible with this organization which spoke to my soul and with this powerhouse of a woman at the helm; smart, capable, engaging, and warm. Spreading the word about WAM and its philanthropic mission became a yearly goal and now to be a part of this outstanding team excites me. I am proud and honored to be an integral part of WAM's continued success and growth."

WAM recently announced its tenth anniversary season including two Mainstage productions - the world premiere of Lady Randy by Anne Undeland running April 18-May 5, and Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau running October 25-November 10, presented in partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE. Two Fresh Takes Play Readings will correlate directly to the Mainstage productions; and an expanded Education program will include a new Elder Ensemble for women 65 and older, along with the successful, established Teen Ensemble, both of which will debut their original devised theatre pieces at the WAM Gala in July.

For more information about WAM Theatre and the 2019 season, visit: https://www.wamtheatre.com/2019-season/

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