Usually I make a theater recommendation for the weekend on Friday, but this week, I'm talking about another Stage Door, the one at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company where it's serving as an exit for someone who has played a big role in keeping the company stable and focused since 1999. —-
CSC Managing Director Rebecca Bromels has been named Artswave's new director of communications for ArtsWave. It's an important move, because the organization formerly known as the Fine Arts Fund has been in turbulent waters for several months as it has redefined its mission and taken on a trendy new name. Communications will be a central issue as ArtsWave moves forward with its annual fundaraising campaign in early 2011, as well as further establishing it as an organization that "helps create the kind of thriving arts environment that makes the Cincinnati region a better place to live, work, play, and stay." Bromels work at Cincy Shakes for a dozen years has kept the company stable and moving forward; for the past eight years, she has served as the company's managing director, a role that has often included marketing and public relations.
Mary McCullough-Hudson, Artswave's president and CEO, says, "Through her work at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Rebecca has been one of ArtsWave's collaborators. She was also one of the first to share her enthusiasm for what we learned about residents' appreciation for the way our region's arts centers, museums, dance, music, theatre and more make our community exciting. We're excited to have her officially on board and working to support and promote the mission of ArtsWave."
Meanwhile, back on Race Street, CSC has elevated Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips' title to "Producing Artistic Director"; Lettie Van Hemert, previously director of operations, steps into Bromels' former role as managing director. Phillips joined the company as an actor in 1999 and became its associate artistic director in 2002, then became the artistic director in 2003. A three-year veteran of the company, she has streamlined financial operations, managed the box office and upgraded the ticketing system. She previously spent seven years in various management roles with the Lincoln Community Playhouse and the Flatwater Shakespeare Company, both in Lincoln, Neb.
Bromels continues at CSC through Dec. 22. She gets a few days to catch her breath with her 1-year-old son and her husband, who works at Cincinnati Playhouse, and then begins speaking on behalf of ArtsWave on Jan. 4.
