The Studio Theatre's Founding Artistic Director Set To Retire 9/1/2010

Joy Zinoman, the Founding Artistic Director has announced that she will retire from The Studio Theatre on September 1, 2010. Her departure will come after an astonishing 35 years at the helm of The Studio Theatre and The Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory. The decision was announced to the staff and board members at the Annual Retreat four years ago.

Zinoman commented by saying, "This has been a difficult decision. Running The Studio Theatre has always been exhilarating and fulfilling. I could not be prouder of the legacy I am leaving behind. But the job is a round-the-clock, seven-days-a-week responsibility. I believe it is time for me to start a more rational life-to have time free for myself and for my family."

"A dynamic new artistic director," Zinoman continued, "will keep The Studio Theatre fresh and vital in the years to come. I am leaving it at time of extraordinary artistic excellence and great financial stability. This is the right time for me to retire. I will miss The Studio Theatre terribly."

Audiences have flocked to The Studio Theatre to see bold new interpretations of contemporary plays, area premieres and international works. Today, The Studio Theatre consistently fills its four theatres, with approximately 70,000 people now attending annually. Additionally, The Studio Theatre has 7,000 subscribers.

The Studio Theatre has grown from its pilot season of three productions to ten annual productions. It has been recognized for artistic work at the highest level, receiving 11 Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Production of a Play or Musical in the 25-year history of the Awards.

The Studio Theatre's general operating budget is over $5 million, with assets of $25 million, management funds of $5 million and a current technology and capital improvements upgrade campaign totaling $2.5 million. Zinoman has established this financial stability, regularly securing 65% of income from earned revenue. The FY09 ended with a surplus of over $500,000.

Susan L. Butler, Chair of the Board of Trustees comments, "Joy Zinoman is without a doubt one of the seminal theatre figures of Washington DC. We have had the great fortune to benefit from her extraordinary artistic sensibility, her wise guidance and her inspirational leadership. We will miss her profoundly."

Zinoman currently serves as the Director of The Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory. She will continue as the Director of Curriculum and as Master Teacher, training new instructors and leading classes.

During this transition year, The Studio Theatre will conduct a nationwide search for a new director, while Zinoman remains fully active as Artistic Director. Phillips Oppenheim, a national leader in nonprofit executive search, will assist The Studio Theatre with this leadership transition. During the search, applications and nominations should be submitted to the attention of Becky Klein and Mark Tarnacki at studio@phillipsoppenheim.com.

For further information please visit www.studiotheatre.org.

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