Michael Bollinger Named Director of Louisa Arts Center

The board of directors of the Louisa Arts Center (LAC) announced the appointment of Michael Bollinger as their new Executive Director.

"I am pleased to be selected as the new leader and public ambassador for the Louisa Arts Center. It's nice to return to Virginia," says Bollinger. "The arts and cultural are important resources for any community. The Center has much to be proud of. Yet, there is great potential for significant growth and the opportunity to serve a larger demographic. I plan to build on past achievements, while increasing LAC programs. This may include expanded youth programs, educational partnerships with schools, film series, live theatre on a community level, Concerts In The Park, a sundown music series, and more."

LAC board president Brian Marks stated, "Bollinger is a solid addition to the Center. We're thrilled to be welcome Michael Bollinger to Louisa! His diverse background, experience and enthusiasm will help elevate LAC to a new level of excellence. "

Most recently Bollinger served as Executive Artistic Director of the South Orange Performing Arts Center where he introduced new programs including: the innovative In The Loft Series featuring intimate Jazz, Theatre and Blues, as well as popular Concerts In the Park. He fostered artistic partnerships such as: Youth Orchestras of Essex County, Juilliard and Giants Of Jazz. Many Broadway stars performed: Ben Vereen, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Tom Wopat and two-time Tony winner Norbert Leo Butz. His performing arts series composition work includes numerous Grammy and Tony Award winning artists, as well as SOPAC's current successful 2012-13 season. Under Bollinger's leadership SOPAC's performing arts series attendance increased 24%, with school-time attendance reaching an all-time high.

Bollinger is also Founding Director of Mainstage Theatre, has served as Artistic Producing Director of Missouri's Lyceum Theatre, as inaugural Director of Virginia's Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts and President-Elect of Virginia's Governors School for the Arts. He has presented many performing arts series, including Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award winners. He has produced over 200 theatrical productions including the American regional theatre premiere of AIDA. Bollinger is a recipient of the Missouri Arts Award and received a commendation from President Clinton.

The Louisa Arts Center is located in the former historic Louisa School which educated children for Louisa for 80 years, from 1907 to 1987. Restoration was completed on the Town Hall section in 2005. Restoration on the Louisa Arts Center section was completed in 2008. The Louisa Arts Center offers year round visual art exhibits in the Purcell Art Gallery, visual and performing art classes and live performances in the Cooke-Haley Theatre. For more information, visit www.louisaarts.org.

Photo Credit: Eric Lusher, Lusher Productions

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