Flat Rock Playhouse announced Monday that producing artistic director Vincent Marini will step down May 31 to pursue new opportunities. Lisa K. Bryant, currently Flat Rock Playhouse associate artistic director, has been named interim artistic director.
"Over his five years as producing artistic director, Vincent Marini has led Flat Rock Playhouse to new levels of artistic excellence while weathering the major challenges of the recession economy," said Clifford Stalter, president of the Flat Rock Playhouse board of trustees. "We greatly appreciate his leadership and creative brilliance."
Bryant will become interim artistic director on June 1. "We are delighted that Lisa has agreed to take on this responsibility," stated Stalter. "She has had 20 years of artistic accomplishments at Flat Rock Playhouse and will help ensure a smooth transition." The Playhouse board will conduct a national search for a new artistic director.
Marini joined Flat Rock Playhouse full-time in September 2009.
During his tenure the Playhouse set records for annual ticket sales and contributions. Under Marini’s leadership, the Playhouse also conceived and opened the 250-seat Playhouse Downtown on Hendersonville’s Main Street in 2011 which now brings over 35,000 visitors annually to downtown Hendersonville. The Playhouse Downtown also hosts the popular Music on the Rock Series, which Marini developed in 2010 to match local musicians with nationally renowned singers. The series has produced over 40 concerts since 2010 to an audience of close to 40,000 patrons.
Marini has been contracted to return in July to work with the 2014 apprentice class and the professional Equity company on the Playhouse’s blockbuster summer production of Miss Saigon.
"I am so very proud of all that we have accomplished together at Flat Rock Playhouse," stated Marini. “My wife Erin and I love everything about the Playhouse and this incredible community. It has been the greatest honor of my life leading this institution, and no matter what comes next for us, we will always carry the Playhouse, its staff, board and patrons in our hearts.”
Bryant began her career with Flat Rock Playhouse as an apprentice in 1994. Since then she has played a myriad of roles including intern, actor, teacher, writer, apprentice director and associate artistic director. She is directing Paige Posey and Scott Treadway in the 2013 Tony Award-winning comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” and will direct “My Fair Lady” this summer.
Hillary Hart will continue to serve as Flat Rock Playhouse managing director.