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Miller News
| New Miller Theatre Director Appointed! |
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| Melissa Smey by Brannon Chase Columbia University announces the appointment of Melissa Smey as the new Director of Miller Theatre, effective immediately. Ms. Smey has been in the role of Acting Director of Miller since October 1, 2008. An accomplished and experienced arts administrator, Ms. Smey has served as General Manager of Miller Theatre for eight years. Working closely with the former Executive Director George Steel during his tenure with Miller, she was an integral part of the growth of the Theatre as it developed into one of New York City’s leading showcases for adventurous artistic programming. “After eight years as General Manager, I am excited and honored to become the new Director of Miller Theatre,” says Smey. “Miller holds a very special position in the cultural life of New York City. This is not just a place where music and the lively arts are presented, but where they are produced with vision and innovation. I look forward to charting Miller's future course while deepening its relationship with Columbia University.” “Melissa Smey is an outstanding choice to guide Miller into the future,” says Provost Alan Brinkley. “She has years of experience guiding the Theatre, and a deep commitment to the innovative programming that has made Miller such an important asset to the University and the city. I have complete confidence in Melissa’s ability to lead and strengthen this important institution.” A few words from George Steel, now General Manager and Artistic Director of New York City Opera: “It is very good news for Miller Theatre and for New York City that Melissa Smey will be taking the helm. Having been instrumental in running and programming Miller for eight years, she has a strong and personal vision for its future, and will continue to build a wonderful institution.” As General Manager at Miller Theatre, Ms. Smey was responsible for administrative, financial, marketing, and production operations. She developed long-range strategic plans, overseeing a threefold growth in Miller’s operating budget during her tenure. She assisted in creating the concert seasons, programming Miller’s Jazz series, producing touring concerts in Boston, MA, and Berkeley, CA, and overseeing major commissioning projects. Prior to her work with Miller Theatre, Ms. Smey held positions at the New York Public Library and the Metropolitan Opera. About Melissa Smey: Melissa Smey, 37, is currently the Acting Director of Miller Theatre at Columbia University, where she has worked as General Manager since 2001. Ms. Smey is responsible for artistic programming, fundraising, and operations at Miller Theatre. She has held positions at the New York Public Library and in the press office at the Metropilitan Opera. A member of the 2007 class of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters Emerging Leadership Institute, she has served as a panelist for the Multi-Arts Production Fund, ASCAP-Chamber Music America Adventurous Programming Awards, and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's community arts regrant programs, among others. Ms. Smey earned a Bachlor of Music degree from the University of Connecticut and an MFA in performing arts management from Brooklyn College. |
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