The leadership shuffles at Austin’s arts organizations continue.
Out at Zilker Theatre Productions is Artistic Director Scott Schroeder, who has held that position for eight years but whose association with the annual Hillside Summer Musical goes back to 1984. Following the one-two punch of record-breaking heat and recession that left this year’s production of The Music Man in the red, a dispute arose between Schroeder and the ZTP board over reimbursement of funds that he loaned to the organization. He chose to resign. While he is sad to leave ZTP under these circumstances, Schroeder says he is proud of his time and experiences with the Hillside Summer Musical, calling it his “theatrical home” and wishing it the best.
In at Conspirare is Ann Hume Wilson, who takes the position of executive director left by the resignation of Erich Vollmer in June. Wilson is making the leap over from the Blanton Museum of Art, where she has worked since May 2004, serving as associate director and interim director between the departure of Jessie Otto Hite in February 2008 and the arrival of Ned Rifkin in May 2009. She’ll leave the Blanton Oct. 23 and join Conspirare Nov. 2. Melissa J. Eddy, who has served as Conspirare’s interim managing director since July 1, will become communications and grants manager.
This article appears in October 2 • 2009.