Chris Mayse Joins Seattle Musical Theatre as Managing Artistic Director

Seattle Musical Theatre (SMT) is pleased to announce Chris Mayse as the company's Managing Artistic Director.

An accomplished actor and director, Mayse has worked regionally with companies such as the Milwaukee Rep, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Monomoy Theatre, Door Shakespeare, Super Summer Theatre, Montana Rep, and the Nevada Conservatory Theatre.

He has worked in administration with regional theatres, educational organizations, and most recently with Merlin Entertainments, LLC. Recently, Mayse directed "The MisEducation of the Well-Meaning Liberal" with the Rainier Valley Cultural Center, as well as serving as a guest artist at Issaquah High School; directing their spring production of ANNIE (which received seven nominations from the 5th Avenue Theatre's Annual High School Musical Awards).

"I'm honored and beyond thrilled to be asked to join Seattle Musical Theatre," says Mayse. "I am energized by how the Seattle theatre scene has evolved over the time I was away in Las Vegas. Seattle Musical Theatre has been a part of that process; producing excellent work and utilizing top-notch local talent. I look forward to addressing challenges that are ahead of me, supporting the strong work that is already taking place, and continuing to develop a culture that makes Seattle Musical Theatre an iron-clad stalwart in the Puget Sound community."

Carolyn Vranjes, President of SMT's Board of Directors, states, "SMT was blessed to be presented with an exceptionally strong list of candidates for the position. We are confident that Chris will build upon the positive steps the board has taken over the last few years, bringing the theatre to new heights and instilling a new sense of excitement that our subscribers, patrons and supporters are bound to enjoy."

Mayse has begun working with SMT and plans to announce the 2016/2017 Season soon. Several events are being planned throughout the summer and fall to introduce Mayse to audiences and the community.

The mission of Seattle Musical Theatre is to engage and entertain the community by producing new and traditional musicals. The theater nurtures local talent by providing training and artistic development opportunities for children, youth, and adults from all walks of life. SMT's vision is to enrich the entertainment and educational value of live theater in the Northwest region; provide a premier environment for nurturing artistic and technical talent; and develop the Magnuson Park theater facility as a key cultural resource for civic, arts, and other community organizations. SMT at all times will strive to demonstrate and inspire these values among the Board of Directors, staff, artists, volunteers, patrons, and donors.

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