Skylight Music Theatre has named New York City-based theater and opera director Michael Unger as its new artistic director.
Unger has been associate artistic director and director of education at the York Theatre Company, an Off-Broadway company. He is also producing artistic director of NewArts in Newtown, Connecticut, which he started with a local father in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Unger will start his new position in September, at the start of Skylight’s 2019-20 season and its 60th anniversary. He succeeds Ray Jivoff, who stepped down from his role in June.
“Michael has the rare combination of experience directing both musicals and operas, as well as a passion for education, as evidenced by his amazing work with the children and families of the Sandy Hook community with NewArts,” said Jack Lemmon, executive director of Skylight. “We feel Michael will energize our audiences and artists with his keen insights and creative ideas as we move into our next 60 years.”
Unger was selected following a 10-month nationwide search. A Chicago native, Unger has worked in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Yekaterinburg, Russia.
“I am thrilled to join the vibrant Milwaukee theater scene at Skylight Music Theatre and build upon its vast and impressive 60-year history while helping shape its future artistic vision,” Unger said. “I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding staff, board, artists, and audiences who have made Skylight what it is today and expand Skylight’s scope and reach to welcome new audiences.”
