Changes for the theatre
Published on September 1st, 2004
STONEHAM, MA -The winds of change are blowing at Stoneham Theatre, and the breeze is so strong that it seems to have blown their administrative clear across Stoneham. Walkers in Stoneham square will no longer see the theatre executives hustling, bustling and working in front of their computers — essentially acting as constant performance art during normal business hours at the theatre.
But that performance has shut down permanently, as Stoneham Theatre has moved their administrative offices to the second floor at 125 Main Street — placed snugly between Three Amigos Mexican Restaurant and Durgan Travel Service.
“This is great,” said Artistic Director Weylin Symes, who couldn’t contain his enthusiasm for the comforts of a conventional office. “We have walls and doors and everything.”
The move of their administrative offices - which house among others the Artistic Director Weylin Symes, Director of Marketing and Public Relations Jeremy Allen Thompson and a new Managing Director — is just one of several changes in store for the burgeoning town landmark.
Jon White-Spunner, is the new managing director of the theatre and will act as Chief Executive Officer for the not-for-profit entity and replaces outgoing Managing Director Troy Siebels — who stepped down as Director at the beginning of the summer.
In addition, Chris Chew, who headed the youth workshop and ensemble program, opted to leave the Stoneham Theatre fold and plans to start a new Theatre company with Siebels.
According to Allen Thompson, the decision was based mostly on the fact that Stoneham Theatre was growing fiscally at a tremendous rate (their budget has quadrupled in the last four years to its current $1.4 Million total), and needed an experienced business mind with the current size of the theatre operation.
“We felt like Jon was a good fit for us because of his experience in dealing with the mid-level theatre budget that Stoneham has grown into, and we feel like he really was the right choice to lead us in our next phase of growth,” said Allen Thompson. “Not only is well-versed in the business end, but he’s a really energetic presence, full of ideas and ways to constantly improve. We’re really looking forward to his arrival.”
Allen Thompson then went on to describe the physical changes the theatre has gone through, as a two phase plan is underway for the former offices at the theatre. The Box Office will remain intact, but the offices will be transformed into a 400 square foot expanded lobby/reception area that will eventually have a second bar area and provide theatregoers with some additional space.
“We’ve noticed as time has gone on that the lobby can get a little cramped at times, and we think this is something that our customers will really benefit from,” said Allen Thompson. “They can get their food and drinks quickly and there will a little additional room — with it also acting as a reception room during certain occasions.”
Most of the employees housed at the new office are still a constant presence at Ye Olde Theatre, and most customer queries will still be directed to the box office.
“We’re working on some new options for the Stoneham Theatre Web site; one of which will be the opportunity to purchase the best available tickets on a specific night,” said Allen Thompson.
Allen Thompson said many of the changes are meant to accommodate the success that Stoneham Theatre has been graced with, but that the Town of Stoneham remains its rock-solid foundation.
“Some of the changes are being made to expand our audience, which we’re delighted to find have been coming from all over New England; from southern Maine all the way down to Rhode Island and Connecticut,” added Allen Thompson. “While we know that growth is a good and healthy thing, we also want to keep the elements which have made Stoneham such a supportive and giving foundation for us. We know this is where everything about this theatre started.”
Allen Thompson also detailed some of the shows set for the upcoming season — which will feature some familiar fare done in a different way such as Who’s rock opera “Tommy”, and several original shows set to debut at the theatre.
After careful consideration and extensive interviews, the Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Jon White-Spunner as the new Managing Director of Stoneham Theatre, chief executive officer of the growing not-for-profit company.
“It is clear that Stoneham Theatre has made tremendous progress during the past four years,” White-Spunner says. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to further that success and look forward to building a team with the existing staff, trustees, and volunteers to make Stoneham Theatre second to none in Greater Boston.”
“Jon brings to Stoneham Theatre more than twenty-five years experience managing professional theatre companies around the globe. From 1977 to 1992, he worked for a number of organizations in South Africa, including ten years with the prestigious Market Theatre Foundation in Johannesburg.
More recently, he led two successful theatre companies in Los Angeles and has served five years in his current position as Managing Director of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Pennsylvania.
In addition to his vast experience leading other successful arts organizations, Jon brings the range of business and accounting skills necessary to lead the growing $1.4M not-for-profit company.
“As we welcome Jon and refocus on our mission, I am mindful that a solid team effort along with strong leadership at the helm is necessary to achieve our goals,” says Janice T. Houghton, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Jon brings the experience, charisma, and clarity necessary to reaffirm Stoneham Theatre’s importance as a cultural resource and to insure its vitality for the future.”
Jon White-Spunner will officially join the staff at Stoneham Theatre on September 13.
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