Merrimack Repertory Theatre Hires New Executive Director

Merrimack Repertory Theatre Board President Debra Grossman announced today that the company had concluded a six month national search for MRT's new Executive Director and have engaged Elizabeth Kegley, currently Managing Director of Dallas' highly-regarded Kitchen Dog Theatre, to fill the position.

Working with search firm AlbertHall & Associates, a national leader in executive placement for arts professionals, MRT's Search Committee, chaired by Stephen Irish, interviewed five candidates from Aspen, Dallas, Jacksonville, Louisville, and New York City before selecting Ms. Kegley. At their May meeting, MRT's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the Search Committee's recommendation to engage Ms. Kegley on a three-year contract. She is replacing previous Executive Director Steven Leon who had to leave the company in November due to health issues.

As is true In most non-profit cultural organizations, MRT's Artistic Director and the Executive Director are equal partners, both reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. Elizabeth Kegley now joins Artistic Director Charles Towers in leading MRT as it enters its 35th Season as Greater Lowell's award-winning professional theatre company.

When asked for a comment, Board President Debra Grossman said: "The entire Board of Trustees joins me in welcoming Elizabeth to Merrimack Repertory Theatre and to the City of Lowell. We are thrilled by the opportunity her addition to the MRT family offers. We are confident that Elizabeth is prepared to lead our artistically acclaimed regional theatre toward continued growth and excellence, adding to all we have achieved over the past 34 years."

Search Committee Chair Stephen Irish added: "Based on the exceptionally strong slate of candidates presented to us by AlbertHall & Associates, the Search Committee quickly became confident of finding a highly qualified individual to fill this critically important position. Elizabeth is truly the best-of-the-best and has the right combination of skills and experience that is required for the position of Executive Director at MRT. We look forward to her joining the MRT family and the leadership she will bring to the company."

Artistic Director Charles Towers said: "Everyone who has met Elizabeth has been impressed by her crisp intelligence, her obvious passion, and her engaging manner. I look forward to working with her to build on MRT's accomplishments to date, so that the company can grow to fulfill its enormous potential, both on stage and off."

Elizabeth Kegley added: "I am thrilled and honored to join Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the greater Lowell community. In visiting Lowell and meeting with the Search Committee, the Board of Trustees, and the staff, I have found a committed group of people whose enthusiasm for Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the company's high-caliber artistic work is inspiring."

She elaborated: "Merrimack Repertory Theatre is on the precipice of an exciting new phase, with the newly renovated theater and significant achievements in financial and institutional stability. The opportunities for the future of MRT are compelling and I look forward to working with Charles, the Board of Trustees, and the staff to develop a new strategic plan for the organization, as well as explore new avenues for audience development and community engagement. I am delighted to join the MRT family at this exciting time in the company's history."

Ms. Kegley will begin her work on July 1, 2013. However the community will have the opportunity to meet her at MRT's Annual Meeting on Tuesday June 25. The meeting is open to the public and starts at 5:45 at MRT's Nancy L. Donahue Theatre and includes a reception with refreshments. Complementary tickets must be reserved in advance by June 18 to attend the meeting. To reserve tickets visit MRT.org and click on the "Annual Meeting" link. For more information visit MRT.org or call 978-654-4678

TICKETS: Single tickets to all productions in the 2013-2014 Season will go on in sale August. Tickets begin at $20. Tickets may be purchased online at MRT.org or by calling the Box Office at 978-654-4MRT (4678). Merrimack Repertory Theatre's Box Office is located at 50 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA.

DISCOUNTS: Senior discount 10% off adult ticket price. Student tickets $15. Group discounts are available for groups of six or more by calling 978-654-7561. Half-Price Rush Tickets - Stop by or call the box office (978-654-4678) after 5pm on any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday evening and get 50% off remaining seats for that night's performance.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Don't miss a single show! Subscription packages are now on sale for MRT's 2013-2014 Season. All subscriptions include exclusive subscriber-only benefits, including free parking, restaurant and theatre discounts, lost ticket insurance and free, unlimited ticket exchanges. For season or subscription information, call 978-654-4678 or visit MRT.org.

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