Zoot Theatre Company, a forward-thinking theatrical design company, specializing in puppets and masks, has announced the selection of Emily von Stuckrad-Smolinski as its new Executive Director.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Emily as our new Executive Director.” reported Natasha Randall, Zoot Theatre Company’s Board Chair. “We feel that we have found the perfect person to lead Zoot into its next phase of growth. Emily will bring a fresh perspective, passion and creativity to Zoot, building upon its strengths and deep sense of commitment to our region’s arts sector. She has served nonprofits at all technical levels and has a breadth of perspective and experience. We look forward to what the future holds.”
“I feel that Emily’s love and understanding of the arts and its importance in the community will strengthen Zoot’s presence here in Dayton and abroad. Emily has the enthusiasm and the creative thought to take this unique company on a wonderful journey,” mused Tristan Cupp, Artistic Director.
Emily’s resume includes over 17 years of theatrical and arts management throughout Dayton’s major arts leaders. She spent the majority of her time with the Victoria Theatre Association advancing tours that graced the Victoria’s stage working with IATSE Local 66. She also took great care of the Rike’s Animated Figures. Prior to that, she filled her days at Memorial Hall before the stage fell dark. Emily volunteers with Dayton Visual Arts Center and serves on the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board for Zoot Theatre Company.
“I look forward as I continue to serve and partner with the area’s non-profit organizations in this new capacity,” remarks Emily. “I am dedicated to Zoot Theatre Company because it provides cultural enrichment and enlightenment to our community and is one of the few theatrical touring companies in Dayton.”
Since the enactment of the “Reboot Zoot” campaign in 2014, ZTC has been restructuring itself to put a focus back on collaboration and touring and 2015 showed signs of how strong the company could be in both sectors. With puppets in Town Hall’s production of BUNNICULA, full production design of Mid-Ohio Opera’s ELIXIR OF LOVE in Mansfield, caroling puppets at WOODLAND LIGHTS, a performance art piece called IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES in collaboration with University of Dayton, a stunning original work for TEDX DAYTON, a mini-tour of Miami Valley Libraries for children, and our original touring production of GOBLINS that traveled all over southern Ohio, Zoot is ready to continue the path toward fiscal health and artistic integrity.
We’re excited to announce that 2016 will see Zoot getting back to the roots of what has made it one of the most exciting companies in Dayton. ZTC will be reviving their critically acclaimed AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD as part of a semester long University of Dayton residency with Tristan Cupp. They will also be restoring “Zoot Tales,” puppet short stories that they can offer in an array of venues & prices, continue their legacy of collaboration with the best arts organizations and artists in the Miami Valley and, of course, continuing to add new titles to their touring line-up, playing to an ever growing collection of venues in Dayton and beyond. The Zoot Theatre Company.
