NEWS: Executive Director of Kingsbury Hall to Retire.

The Associate Vice President for the Arts and Dean of the College of Fine Arts Raymond Tymas-Jones announces that Greg Geilmann is retiring as executive director of Kingsbury Hall after 18 years of devoted service to the institution, effective October 13, 2012.

“We thank Greg for his service to Kingsbury Hall and the University. He has worked hard to bring cultural and artistic diversity to our community that has enriched our understanding and appreciation of human existence through the arts,” said Tymas-Jones.

Mr. Geilmann leaves behind a legacy of growth at Kingsbury Hall that includes a $14 million renovation in 1996 that upgraded the theatre facilities to Broadway-quality standards, expanding both backstage and lobby areas. In 2001, Mr. Geilmann was instrumental in creating Kingsbury Hall Presents, a presenting series bringing the best of the performing arts to the Wasatch Front, including world-renowned artists such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Bobby McFerrin, Martha Graham Dance Company and Donny Osmond.

“I am honored that the University of Utah entrusted me with the stewardship of Kingsbury Hall, a Utah landmark and National Historic Site, for nearly two decades,” said Mr. Geilmann. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to seeing what new heights will be achieved in the future.”

With Kingsbury Hall’s 2012-13 season underway, the time works well for Geilmann to move to a new chapter of his life. The talented staff at Kingsbury Hall will continue their work to ensure the season continues uninterrupted through this transition. Tymas-Jones is currently working with the staff of Kingsbury Hall to appoint an interim director and will continue toplan for the exciting future of Kingsbury Hall. A national search to recruit Geilmann’s replacement will be launched some time during this academic year.

"The advisory board of Kingsbury Hall expresses their sincere appreciationto Greg Geilmann for two decades of passionate commitment to bringing world-class performing arts to Salt Lake City," said Peter J. Morgan, Executive Vice President of Zions Bank and Chair of the Kingsbury Hall Advisory Board. "We look forward to working with the new leadership and staff at Kingsbury Hall to continue providing excellent performing arts experiences for our community."

In addition to presenting national and international acts, Kingsbury Hall also works closely with the University and the College of Fine Arts to provide opportunities for students to perform in the Nancy Peery Marriott Auditorium. Students from the Department of Modern Dance performed with the Martha Graham Dance Company in 2010, and in 2011 opera students from the School of Music sang on stage for Stephen Sondheim. Utah Ballet, Performing Dance Company, and students in the Actor Training Program have all played the 1900 seat theater and Kingsbury Hall has hosted 14 fully produced operas with the Lyric Opera Ensemble and members of the Utah Philharmonia. The University looks forward to the continued opportunities Kingsbury Hall can provide the students of the U of U, as well as the community.

Kingsbury Hall has been an important and beloved fixture in the Salt Lake City performing arts landscape since it opened its doors on May 22, 1930. Since then, many names such as Maude Adams, Harry Belafonte, Vincent Price, Carol Channing, Keene Curtis, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Bill Cosby, among others, have appeared on the Kingsbury stage. Many local performing arts companies, including the Utah Symphony/ Utah Opera, Ririe Woodbury, Ballet West and Repertory Dance Theatre, all got their start at Kingsbury Hall.