Milwaukee Repertory Theater announced that Chad Bauman of Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C., has been named managing director, effective June 1.
Bauman, who currently serves as associate executive director at Arena Stage, will be responsible for all day-to-day operations and jointly lead the 180-member staff at The Rep.
He also will oversee fiscal management, leadership development and administrative and technology functions at the nearly 60-year-old Milwaukee-based theater company.
Judy Hansen, president of The Rep’s Board of Trustees, said Bauman is the ideal candidate for the position and has the experience needed to strengthen The Rep’s ability to continue its mission as an important community asset and position it for further national recognition.
“Chad’s experience in helping bring to the stage some of the best theater being performed in America will be a significant addition to our already strong team,” Hansen said. “His skills in strategic planning, team building and leadership made him a standout candidate among the wonderful pool of theater professionals that were interested in this prestigious position.”
Hansen praised board member Rob Manegold for successfully chairing the search committee that identified Bauman. “Rob and his colleagues on the search committee did a great job in evaluating the impressive pool of potential candidates that reflect The Rep’s growing reputation in the national theatrical community,” she said.
“Our committee looked at many potential candidates and talked to a lot of theater professionals in trying to identify the best and the brightest for this key leadership position, and we are thrilled that Chad will be joining us later this year. He brings new energy, excitement and enthusiasm to a job that is critical to our continued artistic success. We are pleased to welcome him to Milwaukee Repertory Theater,” Manegold said.
“I’ve learned a lot in my work at Arena Stage, and I’m ready to step up to the next level and work with an incredibly talented group of artists and other professionals under the leadership of one of America’s most talented artistic minds, Mark Clements,” Bauman said. “Mark and I clicked when we met each other, and I’m honored to be joining a company whose reputation is growing based on the excellent body of work that they are offering theater goers. I look forward to becoming part of the Milwaukee community.”
