Thalian Association, North Carolina’s oldest community theater, announced today that it has hired local stage and theater veteran David T. Loudermilk as its new full-time Artistic Director. The Artistic Director position consolidates the community theater’s two part-time artistic director positions for its Main Stage and Children’s Theater (TACT) productions. In this position, Loudermilk will oversee all productions on all stages and will guide the artistic direction of the community theater as it continues to grow and expand.
“David brings a wealth of experience in acting, directing and teaching to Thalian Association,” said Danny Brock, Chairman of the Thalian Association Board of Directors. “His leadership will take Thalian Association to the next level and will help us expand our theatrical and educational offerings in both scope and quality.”
Loudermilk has performed in theaters around the world, on both land and sea for companies such as: Paramount Parks, Holland America Cruise Line (Stiletto Entertainment), Seaside Music Theatre and the Black Bear Jamboree. In New York City, he worked for the Broadway Workshop and directed for its Children’s Musical Theater Festival. Since moving to Wilmington in 2008, he has been actively involved with Thalian Association, directing for both main stage and the children’s theater. Prior to joining Thalian Association, Loudermilk served as Drama Director for Cape Fear Academy, a K-12 independent day school in Wilmington, NC.
“I am honored to join Thalian Association and look forward to building on its strong foundation as North Carolina’s oldest community theater,” said Loudermilk. “This position is an ideal match for my skills and experience and I am eager to expand the reach and impact of Thalian Association in the local arts community.”
As Artistic Director, Loudermilk reports to and works closely with Thalian Association Executive Director Susan Habas. He is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of Thalian Association, and for making major decisions about the ongoing development of the aesthetic values and activities of the association.
Loudermilk will assume the new Artistic Director position on a full-time basis on June 1, which will enable him to finish out the school year at Cape Fear Academy. He will work part-time until then with a primary focus on the Red Barn Studio Theater’s new summer season.
Thalian Association’s current Artistic Director Tom Briggs will stay on through May 26 to oversee the production of “Wonderful Town,” a classic from the Golden Age of Broadway that follows two sisters who move from the comforts of Ohio to the bohemian area of New York City known as Greenwich Village. “Wonderful Town” will be performed on the Thalian Hall main stage May 15 – 25. TACT part-time Artistic Director Jason Aycock will also stay on to oversee the Children’s Theater programs and the season finale “TACT Radio, Hits through the Ages,” an original musical revue to be presented on the Second Street Stage in the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center June 5 – 8.
“Our two part-time artistic directors, Tom Briggs and Jason Aycock, have done a fantastic job guiding our Main Stage and Children’s Theater respectively,” said Board Chair Danny Brock. “Each has made significant contributions to the growth and vitality of Thalian Association and their legacy will always be valued. We wish them both well in their new endeavors and hope each will continue to stay engaged in acting and directing at Thalian Association.”
Each year, Thalian Association produces five Main Stage productions in Thalian Hall and five Children’s Theater productions on the Second Street Stage in the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center. In late May, Thalian Association will launch a new summer season at the Red Barn Studio Theater to include three Tony Award-winning plays. Thalian Association also offers arts education classes and produces cabaret shows at various venues in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.
“Thalian Association is a thriving community theater with three active stages and a mission to produce quality community theater and impact youth through arts education and children’s theater,” said Susan Habas, Executive Director. “We are at an exciting and critical stage in our history where the demands of our organization will significantly benefit from the time, attention and leadership that a full-time Artistic Director can provide.”
Established in 1788, Thalian Association is a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to enhancing the Cape Fear region through live community theater and arts education. Thalian Community Theater produces five major productions annually on the Main Stage at historic Thalian Hall. Thalian Association Children’s Theater (TACT) is a youth production company that offers training and performance opportunities for children age 7 through high school seniors. In 2007, the North Carolina legislature named Thalian Association the State Community Theater of North Carolina.
For more information, Contact Susan Habas