Dear Friends,
I will aspire to reach out to you individually over the coming days–as I intended to do today–with the very exciting announcement of Revels’ next Artistic Director.
The best part of my job as Revels Executive Director is getting to constantly say thank you … it is humbling and a very big reason why after 55 years of singing and dancing we remain strong and able to envision a bright future.
First, an enormous debt of gratitude goes to Stine O’Brien (long-time Board member) and her executive search firm EDDA partners who have guided a very intensive, but fun, positive, and affirming search process.
And, thank you for all you do and have done for Revels! The support Revels has from its audience members, chorus members, donors, and greater community is overwhelmingly positive and as a result, we had a large pool of exceptional Artistic Director candidates. In July we conducted extensive interviews with 7 individuals and said “we’re already sad that we’ll have to say no to six of them.”
After a 5-month search and hundreds of hours of interaction with an amazing group of professionals, I am thrilled to announce that Jeffrey Binder will be Revels’ next Artistic Director.
Jeff has tremendous theatre credentials as a director, playwright, and actor; was instrumental in the founding and program development at Gulfshore Playhouse in FL, and most importantly has a passion for sharing traditions and ritual to build community. He came with impeccable and enthusiastic references as a creator, artist, colleague, and superior human! One fun fact is that he was Zazu on Broadway and in the National Tour of The Lion King. At the other end of the theatre spectrum, he is currently playing George in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” at Gulfshore Playhouse.
Below is a short bio and statement from Jeff.
Thank you again for your role in Revels’ success. Tomorrow is our first all-day rehearsal for the 55th Midwinter Revels: A busy and exciting time, indeed!! As always, please reach out with any questions and I look forward to connecting personally soon!
-Diane
Jeff Binder Short Bio
Jeffrey Binder has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, at many regional theaters, and on London’s West End, as well as in television and film. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, and received his MFA in Acting from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He served as Associate Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida for six years where he directed, wrote, acted and developed new programs, including adapting a 45-minute, seven-person production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which weaves the play with musical selections played by the Naples Philharmonic. This piece is performed annually for the entire eleventh grade of Collier County, FL.
Jeff’s comments on joining Revels:
“Building on the foundations of folk and mythmaking, and by elevating stories that gather and bind us all into one great family, Revels invites us to connect with the common humanity and empathy that lives in all of us … to share in a unique artistic experience embracing fundamental tales and traditions which speak to and celebrate what it means to be part of something larger than ourselves. In our current times, the opportunity as Artistic Director to be a driving force for Revels, an organization that uplifts and welcomes all of us through storytelling, folk ritual, humor, dance, and music, is both humbling and inspiring. I couldn’t be more grateful for the trust given me to continue to shape the Revels tradition built over half a century. As I stand on the shoulders of exceptional past artistic leadership, I relish the opportunity to help usher in another 50 years of joy, growth, artistic excellence, and deep commitment to the Greater Boston community. The loyalty, camaraderie, and talent of the organization, combined with its beautiful, unique mission, is hard to describe for both its scope and positive impact on those who experience it, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Diane Kennedy
Executive Director, Revels