With all the talk of unappealing
appointments at the national level these last few weeks, it’s heartening to hear
about an encouraging one at the local level. Bardavon Presents, which oversees the
production and presentation of events at the Bardavon Theater in Poughkeepsie
and the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston, recently announced the
selection of new executive director Bryan Zellmer to succeed the organization’s
outgoing executive director, Chris Silva. Although retiring from their
positions, the long-serving Silva and production manager Stephen LaMarca will both
stay on as booking consultants.
“I’m very excited to be returning to the Hudson Valley, the place I’ve always
referred to as home, and getting to work with Chris and Stephen and the
entire Bardavon team,” says Zellmer, who grew up in Orange County and
received his MBA at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. “They
have built an incredible organization and have an extraordinary track record.
I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the communities of Dutchess and
Ulster counties, and continuing the mission to engage, inspire, and entertain
audiences!”
Zellmer recently wrapped
up a seven-year run as the director of KU Presents at the historic Schaeffer
Auditorium on the campus of Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. Before
starting at KU Presents, he managed the Rialto Theater in Loveland, Colorado,
and was the director of Cultural Affairs for Sussex County Community College in
Newton, New Jersey.
“Bryan was the obvious choice [for executive director],” says Silva. “He’s
passionate about theater, and through his experiences he recognizes what it
takes to make it in our business. I look forward to helping him succeed.”
We here at Chronogram extend
our congratulations to Zellmer and are excited to see the two historic venues
continue their mission of presenting engaging concerts and other events under
his leadership.
This article appears in November 2024.
