Zinn Departs As GSC Managing Director And Interim Appointed

Gloucester Stage Board of Directors President Elizabeth Neumeier has announced that as of September 30, 2018, Jeff Zinn will depart as Managing Director of Gloucester Stage Company. According to Neumeier, "Jeff Zinn brought a lifetime of experience to Gloucester Stage. The Board was delighted with his close collaboration with our Artistic Director Robert Walsh over the past three years and we wish him the very best in his next creative endeavors." A longtime New England theater professional, Jeff Zinn has served as Managing Director at Gloucester Stage since October 1, 2015. Zinn reflects on his tenure in Gloucester, "The past three years have been incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. GSC is blessed with a vibrant ecosystem of artists, technicians, board, staff, and audiences, and I am so grateful for their generosity. I look forward to seeing where the company goes from here and, perhaps, occasionally jumping back in as a freelancer." While at Gloucester Stage, Zinn also directed the critically acclaimed productions of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's The Totalitarians and the world premiere of Jim Frangione's Flight of the Monarch. "I can't say enough good things about my collaboration with Jeff over these last three years! He is smart about theater, created two Wonderful Productions, helped grow our donor base and always had good counsel as we looked to move the theater forward in new initiatives and programming," points out GSC Artistic Director Robert Walsh. "He took a significant leadership role in adapting and implementing our new workplace harassment protocols based on the Chicago Theater Standards and has, in every instance, been a true colleague and friend. I will miss our interactions together, but hope he will return as a director or actor in future seasons."

Current GSC Marketing and Development Director, Christopher Griffith, has been appointed Interim Managing Director by the GSC Board of Directors. Board President Neumeier looks forward to working with Griffith in his new role, "When Chris moved to Gloucester he immediately became engaged in our theater and in the Gloucester community. The Board is delighted that he is stepping up to the role of Interim Managing Director and that this transition will be truly seamless." Artistic Director Walsh welcomes Griffith to his new position, "Chris is terrific! He has thoroughly raised the caliber and profile of our marketing to a level not seen in our nearly 40-year history. He has a great eye, is wonderfully savvy, owns a sensational business acumen and is incredibly gifted in making us look so good on such a tiny budget. He is a creative problem-solver, tireless in seeing each task skillfully completed, and possesses a fun sense of humor. I am thrilled he has accepted this new assignment."

An Indiana native, Christopher Griffith has a demonstrated history of working in the performing arts industry and a passion for non-profit advocacy. Before joining Gloucester Stage as Marketing & Development Director in October of 2017, Griffith revitalized a non-profit theater in Indiana. Those efforts led to a financially sustainable future and successful $3 million restoration of the historic landmark theater. Additionally, he executive produced Musical Mission Tour, a touring non-profit, bringing theater to at-risk youth in urban communities and children's hospitals. Griffith earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Entrepreneurship from Ball State University. Griffith is eager to begin, "I am proud to be apart of the Gloucester Stage community, it will be an honor and a privilege to serve alongside this fantastic team of professional artists and staff members. I believe in the transformative power of live theater and for nearly 40 years, Gloucester Stage has made outstanding contributions to the culture of the greater Boston area; I look forward to upholding our mission and continuing that positive impact in the coming year."

Board President Neumeier and Artistic Director Walsh have announced a special one-time-only performance of Rebel Voices: The Stories of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, Alive on Stage! on Sunday, September 16 at 7:30 pm to celebrate Zinn's impactful three years at Gloucester Stage. Rebel Voices is based on the book "Voices of a People's History of the United States" written by Zinn's father Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove, and adapted by Rob Urbinati. Rebel Voices is an important testimony to the strength of the individual voice, as told through first-hand accounts from people who have shaped the course of U.S. history, often struggling against seemingly insurmountable odds. Rebel Voices includes the writings and speeches of Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X as well as lesser-known figures like Maria Stewart, a pioneer Black abolitionist from the early 1800s, Stella Nowicki, a union organizer in the 1930s and contemporary voices such as Iraq war resister Camilo Mejía and Patricia Thompson, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. A festive reception to celebrate Zinn and his contributions to Gloucester Stage will follow the performance.

Rebel Voices: The Stories of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, Alive on Stage! is Sunday, September 16 at 7:30 pm at Gloucester Stage. Rebel Voices is based on the book "Voices of a People's History of the United States" written by Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove and adapted by Rob Urbinati. Tickets are $25 for all ages for this special event which includes a post-show reception to celebrate Zinn. Guests are invited to make a $25; $50 or $100 donation to Gloucester Stage in honor of Jeff Zinn and his tenure at GSC. To buy tickets for Rebel Voices or make a gift in honor of Zinn contact the GSC Box Office. Gloucester Stage's 39th season runs through October 21 and includes the New England Premiere of Mat Smart's The Agitators through October 7 and the World Premiere of Ken Riaf's My Station in Life, October 12 through October 21. Gloucester Stage Company is located at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. For tickets or further information, call or email the Gloucester Stage Box Office at 978-281-4433 or boxoffice@gloucesterstage.com or visit www.gloucesterstage.com.

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