Jim Stump and Matt Wilson Join New Edgecliff Theatre as we close out our 2009-2010 Season
The previously announced resignation of New Edgecliff Theatre’s former Artistic Director Greg Procaccino became official on opening night of Cyrano [Rehearsed]. NET has responded by once again finding not only a new Artistic Director, but an Associate Artistic Director as well. The AD position will be assumed by a highly respected name in Cincinnati theatre – Jim Stump – while NKU alumnus Matthew Wilson comes on board as AAD.
Executive Director Michael Shooner is very grateful to Mr. Procaccino for, as he puts it, “both meeting and exceeding” the goals envisioned when he arrived in 2006. “NET is now fully solvent, with more than a modicum of fiscal breathing room.” Shooner adds that the most gratifying aspect of Mr. Procaccino’s tenure is “the remarkable, more than one-hundred percent increase in average attendance, particularly impressive during some tough years for the economy.” While disappointed to see him go, he is more excited than ever about what the future holds for NET: “With two dynamic additions to the staff – individuals whose skill sets mesh perfectly with NET’s current springboard position – our continued growth through commitment to quality is all but assured. ”
Mr. Stump is well known and respected in the Cincinnati theatre community. He earned his B.A. in Theatre from Indiana University and went on to graduate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. As a performer, he has appeared frequently on multiple area stages, including Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Know Theatre, Stage First, New Stage Collective, the Carnegie Theatre, Human Race Theatre, as well as New Edgecliff. He served as President of the League of Cincinnati Theatres from 2005-09, and continues as member-at-large. He’s chalked up administrative theatre experience with such organizations as Cincinnati Costume Company, Cincinnati Arts Association, Madcap Productions and The Whodunnit? Players. He feels New Edgecliff has truly solidified its identity and adds, “I’ll seek to continue NET’s growth as a theatre company by maintaining the focus on presenting varied seasons of challenging, actor-driven scripts.”
As noted, Mr. Wilson is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University, graduating cum laude with a B.F.A. in Theatre. Subsequently, he spent three years working with the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City. He arrives with a passion for “theatre that’s not always safe.” As NET plans to revive the annual Cincinnati Director’s Competition (likely in March of 2011), Mr. Wilson has enthusiastically agreed to take the lead, promising “a few new wrinkles, while assuring that contestants – and audiences – maintain the emphasis on directing.”
Along with the Director’s Competition, NET once again plans to produce three mainstage shows in 2010-11. Mr. Procaccino and Mr. Stump have been working together on this selection. Mr. Stump says, “We want to assure as seamless a transition as possible.” The New Edgecliff 2010-11 Season announcement should be forthcoming shortly.
For tickets and information on New Edgecliff, visit www.newedgecliff.com or call toll free 888-588-0137.
All NET productions are held at the Columbia Performance Center, located at 
