PRESS CONTACT:
Jeremy Allen Thompson
(802) 656-0094
jeremy.thompson@uvm.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2002

A Brand New Stage: The UVM Theatre Announces a Change in Leadership

On July 1, 2002, The UVM Theatre will enter a new stage as Jeff Modereger takes the helm as Department Chair, leader of the active arts organization. As the theatre's resident scenic designer since 1994, Modereger has a long history on the Royall Tyler stage that will be invaluable as he assumes his new responsibilities.

"I'm eager to get started," Modereger says. "Our program has grown so much over the past forty years and it has become an important part of the community. It's exciting to be able to work with the other faculty and staff, and the students, to see where we can go from here."

The UVM Theatre has been under the dynamic leadership of Martin Thaler, resident costume designer, since the early 1990s. Thaler's tenure saw the beginning of the Vermont holiday tradition, The Toys Take Over Christmas, a family favorite entering its thirteenth season; the establishment of the theatre's Guest Artist Program, a vital part of its educational mission; and the launching of the brand new Creative and Performing Arts Partnership, a developing project with a performing arts high school in Philadelphia.

Modereger is certain to bring an expertise to the theatre's leadership that will complement its history and the varied specialties of its faculty. His work as a designer and artist has been seen on stages across the country, including Theatre-by-the-Sea in Rhode Island, where he has served as the resident scenic designer for eight seasons; Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo; the Cleveland Playhouse; Playhouse on the Square in Memphis; Yale Repertory Theatre; New York City Opera; and Goodspeed Opera House, as well as on- and off-Broadway. In addition, he was one of three mural artists on the Remember the Children exhibit for the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and for its tour, currently in its fourth year.

Vermonters may also recognize his work from recent productions from The UVM Theatre on the Royall Tyler stage, including The Miracle Worker and The Birds, and from Vermont Stage Company's 2001 production of Art.

With his experience, his history at UVM, and a passion for his work, Modereger will be a great addition to the already impressive list of leaders of The UVM Theatre that dates back to Edward Feidner's appointment in 1958. "As a theatre housed on a university campus, we've always believed that education is the most important thing we do," Modereger says. "We will continue to focus on making our work positively impact the education of our students and the education of our community."

Jeff Modereger will officially assume leadership of The UVM Theatre on July 1.

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