Cygnet Theatre Names New Development Director

Cygnet Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Marinda Peugh as the new Development Director.

Peugh grew up in Washington State and received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations from Western Washington University. She has eight years of professional fundraising experience, including five years in management, working with United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the American Red Cross. She currently lives in Hillcrest.

Peugh will be responsible for a full range of development functions with a special interest in individual giving and major gifts.

She replaces Veronica Murphy, who held the position for eight years and spearheaded the campaign to fund the move from Rolando to the Old Town Theatre. In addition to her behind the scenes fundraising work, Murphy appeared on stage in numerous productions including It's a Wonderful Life, My Fair Lady and Tragedy of the Commons. She also served as costume designer on several more including the most recent, The Whale. She is retiring from Cygnet to devote herself full-time as the Artistic Director of Write Out Loud, an organization she co-founded.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without the tireless efforts of Veronica Murphy and she will be missed," said Bill Schmidt, Executive Director. "We look forward to welcoming Marinda into our Cygnet family and starting a new chapter in our growth focusing on expanding our donor base through innovative fundraising strategies."

"I'm very excited to join the Cygnet Theatre and to help ensure that it will continue to thrive. I look forward to meeting our donors and creating new opportunities for the community to get involved," said Peugh. An artist at heart, she added, "The arts helped me become who I am today. It was my years on stage as a dancer and performer that helped me to blossom and become my full true self." She joins the team in time for the opening of the holiday musical A Christmas Carol, running November 27-December 27.

ABOUT CYGNET THEATRE

Twelve years ago, when Cygnet Theatre opened the doors in a strip mall near La Mesa with the premiere of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, they were announcing the birth of an unconventional, exciting, and fresh new theatre company in San Diego. Since that opening night, Cygnet Theatre has grown into San Diego's fifth largest theatre company and has become known for producing adventurous, entertaining and thought-provoking live professional theatre year round. At the recently renovated, state-of-the-art Old Town Theatre in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Cygnet presents at least six main stage productions annually, ranging from classics and musicals to contemporary works that celebrate the human story. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Sean Murray and Executive Director Bill Schmidt, Cygnet has won more than 100 local awards for artistic excellence, including Theatre of the Year, Producer of the Year and multiple Best Production awards. Cygnet has been the recipient of grants from the National Endowment of the Arts and The James Irvine Foundation, among many others. In addition, Cygnet Theatre is committed to education outreach, new play development and community collaborations. For more information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com.

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