Archive: Business & Technology

The Hangar Theatre Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Joshua Friedman as the new managing director of the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, New York. Friedman has managed the production department for the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas, for the past six years and replaces outgoing executive director Lisa Bushlow in early November.

"Josh was the unanimous choice of the search committee and we are thrilled that he's coming to Ithaca," says Ann Costello, president of the Hangar Theatre Board of Directors. "He has impressive theatre management experience and we believe he will be a good fit for the Hangar Theatre and for this community."

As the Hangar's managing director, Friedman will be responsible for supervision of the theatre's financial and administrative operations, which includes developing the annual budget and overseeing efforts to generate revenue through ticket sales and fundraising campaigns. Additionally, he will lead the development and implementation of the Hangar's long-range planning initiatives.

"Josh brings a bounty of valuable experience from working at several estimable regional theatres," says Peter Flynn, artistic director of the Hangar Theatre. "His combined talents in production expertise and business acumen make him enormously essential to the Hangar's growth. With Josh in the new role of managing director, the theatre is ready to evolve into a fully-operational, premiere regional theatre."

"The Hangar has grown significantly since I first became involved 25 years ago," says Bushlow, "and it is poised for continued growth. I welcome Josh enthusiastically and look forward to working with him for a smooth transition."

"I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Hangar Theatre with its rich history and national reputation for high quality productions and world-class educational programs," says Friedman. "The Hangar has had a tremendous impact on Ithaca's creative economy, and the community's recent support for the theatre's capital campaign is inspiring. I look forward to partnering with the artistic team, the deeply committed board of trustees, and the talented staff to strengthen and grow the theatre.

"My wife, Joan, and I are excited to make Ithaca our new home," Friedman adds. "The region is beautiful, and the resources available in this vibrant community make it a great place to raise our kids."

Friedman's career in the performing arts spans more than two decades. He has worked in arts leadership positions as a producer, director of outreach, teacher, and stage manager. At the Alley Theatre he has been in charge of the administration, management, and development of the theatre's production department, supervising a staff of 55 full-time employees and managing an annual budget of $3.5 million. Accomplishments during Friedman's tenure include managing expenses to consistently achieve balanced budgets, creating operational efficiencies, which enabled growth in personnel and technology, and improving employee satisfaction resulting in a 300 percent increase in staff longevity. His previous professional credits include positions at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Studio Arena Theatre, and O'Neill Theatre Center's National Playwrights Conference. Friedman has taught classes and workshops at Butler University, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois.

Friedman is an alumnus of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Association LEAD program and served on the Board of Trustees for the Indianapolis Fringe Festival. He served on the grant selection panel for Theatre Communications Group's Leadership University Grant and has presented at various national conferences. Friedman is a graduate of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey and studied Fund Raising Management at The School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

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