Executive Director Leaving Centerstage

After just over three years as Centerstage Foundation’s executive
director, Richard Parison is moving on.

A press release today from Centerstage said that during a recent
strategic planning process, “we had many conversations with Richard
about the next steps for the organization and his interest to return to
his previous work of producing and directing professional theater. In
the last several months he has had several opportunities to direct and
work on theatrical projects with colleagues here and across the
country. With the strategic plan now completed, the Executive Committee
and Richard came to the mutual agreement that is the perfect time to
pursue these artistic endeavors and to begin a transition to a new
executive leader. Richard will continue to serve as Executive Director
until December 15, when he will begin the next exciting chapter of his
career in the performing arts.”

The release added that “The Foundation Board believes that CenterStage
is clearly headed in the right direction.”

“While our decision is bittersweet, I have confidence in the strength
and resolve of the Foundation, its board of trustees, staff members and
volunteers. Having led the strategic planning process with a number of
stakeholders, I am keenly aware that the plan lays out a future which
is certain and strong,” said Richard Parison. “On a personal note, for
three years, I have had the privilege of leading the Foundation staff
and trustees on a number of exciting and surprising journeys – I know
that CenterStage’s future is limitless and full of potential for
Richmond and the community. It has been an honor to work alongside you
and to steward the mission of this amazing ensemble of venues. I look
forward to returning as an audience member at so many special events
and performances.”

An experienced theatrical producer, Parrison had left the Barrington
Stage Company in Pittsfield, Mass for the Richmond job in 2010. 
Attempts by Style Weekly to reach him this morning were unsuccessful.

Full version of press release:

———

RICHMOND – Richmond CenterStage
released the following statement regarding the transition to a new
executive director.

Richmond CenterStage has come a long way in its four years as the
center of Richmond’s performing arts and home to performing arts
organizations and arts educational programs. CenterStage’s success to
date reflects the enormous hard work and major accomplishments of the
Foundation’s Board and Staff, especially Richard Parison, who has
served as the Foundation’s Executive Director and recently led its
strategic planning process. The Foundation Board believes that
CenterStage is clearly headed in the right direction.

The strategic planning process afforded everyone an opportunity to
consider where we’ve been and where we’re going. During this process we
had many conversations with Richard about the next steps for the
organization and his interest to return to his previous work of
producing and directing professional theater. In the last several
months he has had several opportunities to direct and work on
theatrical projects with colleagues here and across the country. With
the strategic plan now completed, the Executive Committee and Richard
came to the mutual agreement that is the perfect time to pursue these
artistic endeavors and to begin a transition to a new executive leader.
Richard will continue to serve as Executive Director until December 15,
when he will begin the next exciting chapter of his career in the
performing arts.

“We are grateful for Richard’s leadership over the past three years as
he has expanded our artistic programming, including the US TRUST Life
is a Cabaret Series, the monthly “Comedy Tonight!” Series and the Wells
Fargo Bring the Kids! Family Series. The performers he helped bring to
our stages entertained – and even wowed – audiences,” said Steve
Rogers, Chairman of CenterStage Foundation Board of Directors. “He is a
strong advocate for the performing arts and he will leave a lasting
impression on our organization. We wish him the very best in his next
artistic endeavor, which includes directing “Fiddler on the Roof” later
this month at Virginia Repertory Theatre here in Richmond. We are
appreciative of his dedication to Richmond CenterStage and his help to
keep CenterStage running at full-speed.”

“While our decision is bittersweet, I have confidence in the strength
and resolve of the Foundation, its board of trustees, staff members and
volunteers. Having led the strategic planning process with a number of
stakeholders, I am keenly aware that the plan lays out a future which
is certain and strong,” said Richard Parison. “On a personal note, for
three years, I have had the privilege of leading the Foundation staff
and trustees on a number of exciting and surprising journeys – I know
that CenterStage’s future is limitless and full of potential for
Richmond and the community. It has been an honor to work alongside you
and to steward the mission of this amazing ensemble of venues. I look
forward to returning as an audience member at so many special events
and performances.”

CenterStage Foundation will immediately begin the process of evaluating
the needed skills and experience in its next executive leader and then
will commence the search process.

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