Another Theater Managing Director on the Move

History Theater Managing Director Kathleen Spehar is leaving her job for a new post. Like the CTC's Gabriella Calicchio who announced yesterday she's going to San Francisco, Spehar is heading west.

However she's only going as far as the University of St Catherine near St Paul's western boundary where she will become director of The O'Shaughnessy.

Spehar became managing director at the History Theater in 2007. Prior to that she was managing director of Mu Performing Arts where she was involved in Minnesota's first Asian American Play Festival. She has also taught at the University of Florida and in the University of Minnesota's Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.

In making the announcement St. Catherine University Vice-President Tom Rooney said Spehar's blend of skills will be an asset to the theater and the school.

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"As the leader of The O'Shaughnessy, she will fill a key role guiding strategic planning and programming for our unique arts and academic space while helping advance the St. Catherine mission," he said.

And the History Theater also has been heaping on the praise, crediting her with helping it weather the rough economy including developing the Turnaround plan to stabilize the organizations finances. Among the many shows and events she brought to the theater was the broadcast of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" during the 2008 Republican National Convention.

Artistic Director Ron Peluso wishes her well in her new job. "With Kathleen's passion for performing arts, her instinct for community collaborations, and her keen business sense, the O'Shaughnessy will definitely be in good hands and History Theatre will miss her," he said.

Of course the two organizations share natural affinities, and Spehar suggests there may well be opportunities for collaboration on the future.

And just for fun, here's a reminder of that Jon Stewart Show:

The Daily Show - Intro - Tastes Better on a Stick
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