Michael Ross, a former managing director at Hartford Stage Company, will take that position at another major Connecticut regional theatre -- the venerable Long Wharf in New Haven -- effective July 7, 1997.
He succeeds M. Edgar Rosenbloom, who moved to Broadway's Circle in the Square theatre in 1996.
Ross will be working with the newly installed artistic director, Douglas Hughes, who says, "I am utterly exhilarated about the partnership I will have with Michael Ross."
As managing director Ross will oversee all management aspects of the theatre i.e., fundraising, marketing and finance. Hughes will oversee the artistic aspects of the theatre I.e., deciding which plays the theatre should show and who should they ask to perform. The two men will collaborate on creating the theatre's season by acting as "dual presidents". Hughes will choose the plays and Ross will figure out the best ways to finance the productions.
Ross has much experience in the theatre industry and close ties to the Connecticut community. Ross will come to the Long Wharf Theatre from Baltimore where he has been the Program Officer/Project Director at National Arts Stabilization, an organization that provides a multi-year disciplined process of planning, technical assistance, and other resources to non profit arts institutions to enhance stability for the long term. Before Baltimore, Ross spent 10 years at Hartford Stage Company where he worked through the ranks to the position of general manager. He has also worked at the Baltimore Opera Company, Alley Theatre in Houston, and as a consultant to regional theatres throughout the country including The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, The Wilma Theatre Company in Philadelphia, Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick, and Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, RI.
About returning to Connecticut Ross said, in a release, "I welcome this tremendous opportunity to return to Connecticut and join Long Wharf Theatre, an institution that has always made an important contribution to the theatre world and its community. I especially look forward to collaborating with Doug and working with the board of trustees and the theatre staff to insure a vibrant and exciting future for this vital institution."
-- By Honey Freilich
