Richard L. Fosbrink Nambed Executive Director of The Theatre Historical Society of America
Western Pennsylvania native will lead national organization dedicated
to documenting and preserving the history of American Theatres.
Elmhurst, IL-June 4, 2012- Concluding a thorough national search, the board of directors of The Theatre Historical Society of America has named Richard (Rick) L. Fosbrink as its new Executive Director. Fosbrink, former chair of the Performing Arts Department at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and most recently Managing Director of the Hilberry and Bonstelle Theatres in Detroit, Michigan, will take the helm of THS beginning June 4, 2012.
“I am extremely excited about this new opportunity and I’m anxious to jump right in and roll up my sleeves. Working with a dynamic organization like THS, documenting and archiving American theatre history really inspires me,” said Fosbrink. “I’ve always been interested in American history, architecture and especially the history of theatres. There’s just something magical and exciting about historic theatres,” Fosbrink affirmed. As a smile consumes his face, he continued, “It’s like being a big kid in a giant candy store.”
THS’s long-time Executive Director, Richard Sklenar, will assume a half-time role in the newly created position of Community Outreach Coordinator.
Fosbrink, most recently of Detroit, is a native of South Connellsville, PA. He received his Bachelor of Music in Education Degree from Seton Hill University and embarked upon a teaching and directing career lasting a decade. Mr. Fosbrink taught music, theatre, additionally directing and producing Broadway-style musicals in schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Keystone Oaks School District. His productions have garnered many Gene Kelly Award Nominations from the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, developing an esteemed reputation as a teacher and director of High School Musical Theatre in Pittsburgh.
While in Pittsburgh he was a founder and Executive Director of the South Hills Theatre Group. The group was dedicated to saving and restoring the Harris South Hills Theatre in Dormont, PA. Pittsburgh native and Tony award-winning composer Stephen Flaherty served as honorary Board President. Additionally, as chair of the Performing Arts Department at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood he was one of the primary supervisors of the restoration of the school’s McGonigle Theatre.
In 2009, he moved on from teaching high school, leaving Pittsburgh and relocating to Detroit. He received his Master of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre and Arts Management from Wayne State University, Michigan’s only urban research institution and one of the thirty largest universities in America. In addition to his association with the Hilberry and Bonstelle Theatres, Fosbrink taught undergraduate theatre management at WSU and assisted in developing materials for Artscorps Detroit, a program dedicated to urban revitalization through creative art.
Under Fosbrink’s direction, THS President Karen Colizzi Noonan foresees an expanded role for Theatre Historical Society in the multi-faceted world of historic preservation. “THS is the only organization in the United States focused solely on the history and culture of historic theaters and we need to bring that message to light on a wider level. With Rick’s leadership, we look to bring THS to national prominence as the recognized leader in this fascinating area of historic preservation.”
The Theatre Historical Society of America is the only organization in the United States that exclusively records and preserves the rich architectural, cultural and social history of America’s theatres. Through its collection and publications, THS makes available information on more than 15,000 theatres, primarily in the United States, and encourages further research in these areas.
Located in Elmhurst, Illinois, approximately 16 miles west of Chicago’s loop, THS is located on the second floor of the historic York Theatre building. Also located in Elmhurst, the society operates The American Theatre Architecture Archive and The American Movie Palace Museum.
The American Theatre Architecture Archive contains and extensive collection of photographs, slides, negatives, books, blueprints, clippings, videos, printed programs, and other materials on historic theatres. The American Movie Palace Museum features exhibits of photographs, artwork, artifacts, antiques and other memorabilia relating to the “golden age of the movie palace.”
The Theatre Historical Society of America is an organizational member of the American Association for State and Local History, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Illinois Association of Museums, Kane DuPage Regional Museums Association, and an individual member of the Society of American Archivists.