July 2, 2019, Santa Fe, NM — Performance Santa Fe, Santa Fe’s leading presenter of world-class music, dance, theater and performing arts education, today announced the appointment of Chad Hilligus as its new Executive and Artistic Director, effective July 15, 2019. Mr. Hilligus has produced, directed or performed in more than 300 shows in over twenty countries across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Michael Brown, President of the Board of Directors, Performance Santa Fe, said, “Chad’s extensive experience in programming, fundraising, producing and performing are all vital elements we were looking for in the leader who will build on the incredible successes achieved by Performance Santa Fe.”
“Santa Fe has a deeply rooted history of arts and sophistication, and I am honored to build on Performance Santa Fe’s strong 82-year legacy of enriching the cultural landscape of this thriving artistic community,” Mr. Hilligus said. “PSF enjoys a well-earned reputation for bringing the highest quality, world-class programming to Santa Fe. Together with our extraordinary staff and Board of Directors, I look forward to leading this organization to the next exciting chapter of growth and vitality.”
Mr. Hilligus, currently Resident Producer and Director of Major Gifts for the McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, CA and the founding producer of Innovative Arts Live, has collaborated with icons including Kristin Chenoweth, Tyne Daly, Lucie Arnaz, Alan Cumming, Florence Henderson, Gavin MacLeod and Lily Tomlin. Highlights include producing and directing a concert production of West Side Story in 2018 as part of the centennial celebration of Leonard Bernstein with Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops. He is also the Artistic Programming Consultant for the Old Town Community Theater in Temecula, CA and serves on the California Presenters Board of Directors.
As a performer, Mr. Hilligus is a former member of the multi-platinum crossover group The Ten Tenors and gained international acclaim starring as Tony in the 50th Anniversary World Tour of West Side Story. He has performed as a Resident Artist with Sarasota Opera, Nashville Opera, Tulsa Opera, San Diego Opera and he frequently appears as a solo artist at concert venues across the country.
A Search Committee of the Board of Directors worked with the executive search firm Management Consultants for the Arts to identify a broad array of prospective candidates over a 4 month period.
For more information, contact:
Michael Brown, President of the Board;
or Chad Hilligus, Executive + Artistic Director
505 984 8759
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Performance Santa Fe is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to present world-class music, dance, and theater, and to provide excellent performing arts education for our community. Founded in 1937, Performance Santa Fe has presented and produced more than 1,000 events, making it a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s arts community. Performance Santa Fe’s 83rd season opens July 28 with renowned mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo in concert at the Scottish Rite Center. For tickets and additional information about Performance Santa Fe, please call 505-988-1234 or visit www.performancesantafe.org.