[ This Just In! ]

For Immediate Release
Date: April 29, 2008
Contact: Jason Neulander (512) 474-7886

SALVAGE VANGUARD THEATER ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP

(Austin, TX)- Salvage Vanguard Theater, an Austin theater company founded in 1994, has selected two people to replace founder and Artistic Director Jason Neulander when he steps down on May 30.

Following a four-month national search, SVT has hired Brad Carlin as executive director of the fourteen-year-old company. Jenny Larson, currently SVT’s associate artistic director, will serve as interim artistic director.

“There is genuine excitement on the Board about our future with Brad and Jenny leading the organization,” says SVT board chair Reza Shirazi. “We’re evolving from a founder-driven company to a full-fledged Austin arts institution.”

When Neulander announced he was leaving last year, the company’s board determined that they would split his role into two positions. They quickly asked Larson to step in as interim artistic director based on her long association with the company as they began a national search for an executive director.

Shirazi led a succession committee through the four-month search. The committee received resumes from coast to coast. When the time came to select the new leadership, the committee’s vote was unanimous.

“Jenny and Brad have a natural chemistry,” continues Shirazi. “Both can focus on their specialties, and together they will find great ways for SVT to have impact on the artistic community in Austin.”

Before accepting the position with SVT, Brad Carlin was the associate managing director of SITI Company (an ensemble theater company led by Anne Bogart and based in New York City). Prior to his time with SITI, he worked with the managing director of City Theatre in Pittsburgh while earning his masters degree in arts management from Carnegie Mellon University. While in Pittsburgh, he led research projects on tax policies supporting the arts and arts education for American for the Arts.
Carlin is also an alumnus of the prestigious Theatre Communications Group’s New Generations Mentorship Program.
Carlin’s roots in Austin run deep. He has a BA in acting from St. Edward's University and has worked on stage and off with many local theater companies, including SVT, Hyde Park Theatre, the Rude Mechanicals, and Refraction Arts. His work was recognized with several ACoT B. Iden Payne Award nominations, Critics Table Award nominations, and a Deacon Crain Award. 

“I feel like the challenges and experiences I have gained while away will be invaluable in charting a path for the next fourteen years of SVT,” says Carlin. “Salvage Vanguard Theater is a robust and vital company with a nationwide profile, and I am honored to be entrusted with continuing SVT's transformation into an Austin institution.”

Jenny Larson has been active in Austin theater as an actor, director, and teacher for over ten years.  Larson has a BA in theater from St. Edward's University and has been involved with numerous local and touring theater productions.  Larson’s first experience with SVT was as an audience member at SVT's 2000 production of Terminal Hip. After seeing the show, she knew she had to work with the company.

“I have always had and continue to nurture my love for new works, edgy performance, and productions that defy tradition,” says Larson. “This company has always been a perfect fit for me.”

Larson started her professional relationship with SVT in 2001, first as a literary intern, then as an actor, literary manager, resident company member, director, and finally, associate artistic director.  Larson has won numerous local theater awards and has already directed three SVT main-stage productions.

Larson’s enthusiasm about the future is palpable: “I am very excited and hopeful as I step into this next phase of not only my career, but of Salvage Vanguard Theater’s development. And I am thrilled to be working with Brad Carlin.”

Salvage Vanguard Theater’s next production is Hamilton Township by Jason Grote, directed by Jenny Larson. It opens May 30 and plays through the end of June at Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Road in Austin.

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