Victory Gardens Announces Departure of Managing Director Christopher Mannelli

Victory Gardens Theater today announces the departure of Managing Director Christopher Mannelli. Mannelli has accepted a position as Executive Director of the Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY. Mannelli will remain at Victory Gardens through February 26, 2016. The board of directors has begun a national search for his successor.

Christopher Mannelli joined Victory Gardens in 2011 as General Manager, overseeing the administration of the organization, was appointed Interim Managing Director in November 2012 and was asked to assume the role of Managing Director in July of 2013. During his tenure he led the reorganization of the institution and is responsible for the strategic planning, fundraising and audience development initiatives that have created the theater's new business model. Under his leadership, Christopher has overseen numerous award-winning productions, increased contributed income, and launched innovative membership and audience engagement initiatives.

"Chris Mannelli has been a wonderful partner to me and our board," said Artistic Director Chay Yew. "Together, we have helped create financial stability for Victory Gardens, made our theater a national venue for new American plays, and advocated passionately for equity and diversity within the organization. He has also been a tremendous collaborator with everyone on our staff. I will miss him. I wish him nothing but the absolute best at Geva."

"In his five years at Victory Gardens, Chris has accomplished a great many things," comments Board President Steven Miller. "He is a big reason why our institution is in such a solid position, and we are confident that this transition will be very smooth. The Board of Directors and I wish Chris continued success with his move to New York."

Christopher Mannelli departs Victory Gardens to be the new Executive Director of Geva Theatre Center (Geva), the largest professional regional theatre in Upstate New York and the most attended in the Northeast United States outside of Manhattan. Founded in 1972, Geva is dedicated to creating and producing professional theatre productions, programs and services of a national standard. As Rochester's leading and flagship professional theatre, Geva is the most attended regional theatre in New York State, and one of the 25 most subscribed in the country serving up to 160,000 patrons annually, including more than 16,000 students.

Prior to his work with Victory Gardens, Christopher served as Deputy Director at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, managing operations and helping to produce the theater's "World Stage" international programming, including Chicago Shakespeare's first ever tour to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Before moving to Chicago, Christopher was the Managing Director for HotCity Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the company's financial and programmatic growth, which included educational outreach programs, new play initiatives and several collaborations with prominent arts organizations. He currently serves on the board of directors of the League of Chicago Theatres, is a steering committee member for Enrich Chicago (a group of arts organizations in Chicago working collectively to address racial equity), is a board member for the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the community board of Emerald City Theatre.

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