Shannon Mayers, the former executive director of the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice, has accepted a position as the new director of the Redfern Arts Center on Brickyard Pond, filling the slot left vacant when Bill Menzes retired in May. Mayers joins the Redfern as it prepares to celebrate its 30th Anniversary season this coming academic year.
In her previous position at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater, Mayers launched the theater’s inaugural programming series, expanding the organization’s audience base from 500 to 25,000 in 12 months. Prior to that, she served as the director of production at the Arts World Financial Center, as well as the summer program director at the Brooklyn Bridge Conservancy. She has worked as a production manager for numerous arts organizations including the Tribeca Film Festival, the UK in NY Festival, and Bang on a Can. In addition, Mayers has held teaching positions at several academic institutions including Queens College and Northwestern University.
“As an arts presenter, my experience comes from many different lenses,” explained Mayers. “My background is originally in theatre. I’m a stage director, a teacher, an arts administrator, and I’ve also been backstage as a production manager. So I look very carefully at the big picture. I like getting involved.”
As Redfern director, Mayers will introduce the organization’s upcoming season at the Redfern’s 30th Anniversary Party, a free public celebration that will be held on Friday, September 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. Following a catered reception in the Redfern lobby, Mayers will provide audiences with a special preview of the 30th season, featuring video and live performances.
As the 30th Anniversary season begins to unfold, Mayers plans to expand the Redfern’s outreach efforts to the campus and community, including the formation of an advisory council to solicit input from local and regional partners. “I want the Redfern to be able to have a dialogue with its audiences,” said Mayers. “The performing arts are a living, breathing experience between the performer and the audience.”