Music Hall Executive Director Patricia Lynch to Step Down June 2020

After 15 years at the helm of The Music Hall, Executive Director Patricia Lynch announced today she is leaving Portsmouth's theater in June 2020 to pursue new writing and artistic projects.

During her tenure, membership in the 141-year-old theater has grown fivefold, community support has skyrocketed and innovative programming has blossomed.

"I am a big believer in chapters in life," Lynch said. "I look forward to beginning my new chapter and to The Music Hall beginning an exciting new chapter in its storied history. It's going to be a great year!"

Since Lynch joined The Music Hall in 2004, a major renovation of the 900-seat Chestnut Street theater was completed in 2014 and a second venue for smaller performances was added in 2011, with the construction of the 124-seat Loft on Congress Street.

In partnership with the City of Portsmouth and the theater's generous donors, Chestnut Street was revitalized and the theater's exterior was updated along with the addition of a new marquee in 2018.

"These things don't just happen without the dedication and expertise of our entire staff, a committed board of trustees, the incredible generosity of our donors and fabulous volunteers who donate their time at every show," Lynch said. "And we must all remember that the historic theater wouldn't be here today if The Friends of The Music Hall hadn't formed in the 1980s to save it from the wrecking ball."

Music Hall Board President Ed Garside praised the many partnerships Lynch has forged with the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Public Radio, The Ogunquit Playhouse, the City of Portsmouth and the African Burying Ground Memorial.

"It has been a privilege to work with Patricia. Her vision and inspiration have transformed The Music Hall into the premier performing arts center of the New Hampshire Seacoast." Garside said. "The board is grateful for Patricia's leadership, and we look forward to working with her during her final year to celebrate her success, name a successor and continue the great programming the Seacoast community expects from us."

Garside said a search committee that includes former board presidents, staff and members of The Music Hall's Emeritus Council will manage the search for Lynch's successor.

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