SOPAC welcomes new Executive Director Michael Bollinger

The Board of Directors of the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) today announced the appointment of Michael Bollinger as the new Executive Director for the organization. Bollinger will assume his official duties at SOPAC on September 13, 2010.

"I am honored to be selected to serve as the public ambassador for SOPAC," said Bollinger. "The arts and cultural resources of South Orange are tremendous assets to the community. I will continue to build exceptional performance seasons for SOPAC, keeping an eye open for opportunities to develop new arts programs and providing a nurturing place for the creation of art."

According to SOPAC Board Chair Tony Leitner, Bollinger is a fresh addition to the SOPAC family. "We're thrilled to be welcoming Michael Bollinger to SOPAC. His diverse background, managerial experience and enthusiasm are all skills we are looking for in a leader. He is the ideal candidate who will continue SOPAC's stellar programming while instilling a level of focus and excitement needed to meet prospective challenges."

Bollinger recently served as the inaugural Executive Director of Virginia's Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and President of the Governor's School for the Arts Foundation Board. Previously, he served as long-time Artistic Producing Director of Missouri's Lyceum Theatre and Founding Director of Mainstage Theatre Company. Bollinger is a recipient of two Missouri Arts Awards. He has presented over 100 eclectic performances ranging from orchestra to family to Grammy Award-winning artists. Bollinger has produced and/or directed over 200 plays and musicals, which include performances at The Smithsonian Institution and the American regional theatre premiere of AIDA.

SOPAC engaged Arts Consulting Group, a national executive search firm specializing in arts and culture recruitments, to assist with the international search process. Bollinger succeeds Ondine Landa Abramson, SOPAC's Executive Director since 2006.

Leitner commended Landa Abramson, the senior management team and the entire staff at SOPAC for their admirable performance during the search for a new Executive Director. "Ondine Landa Abramson led SOPAC through our first four seasons and built SOPAC's reputation for quality and innovative programming. During her tenure, SOPAC experienced a significant period of growth in spite of a perilous economic climate. We are forever grateful for her vision, tenacity and commitment to SOPAC."

About the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)
Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The multidisciplinary arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC-a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is also a home for Seton Hall University Arts Council's performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz N' the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions. SOPAC also presents performances by its theater company in residence, Midtown Direct Rep, and its dance company in residence, Lydia Johnson Dance. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.

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