Matt Shields is welcomed at Mill Mountain Theatre

Roanoke, Virginia – Since 1964, the Mill Mountain Theatre has been a mainstay of the neighborhood. Ginger Poole, its 15-year head, has formally departed, allowing for new leadership in the coming year.

via its stage productions, Mill Mountain Theatre has presented hundreds of gifted performers for 60 years. It also works to promote the performing arts via a range of initiatives.

“Regardless of your preferences, we are still working to create items for the community that will appeal to everyone. Whether it’s plays, musicals, or something a bit more complex, you may see your kids perform live or watch them on stage. “That has kept growing, and we’re proud of that growth,” said Ginger Poole, the departing producing artistic director.

Poole is recognized for having brought the theater back to life during difficult financial times and guaranteeing its continued prosperity. She is passing the torch after 35 years in the business, including 18 years with Mill Mountain Theatre.

“We thought it was the ideal time to tie a big red bow on it and pass it on to the next era of Mill Mountain Theatre as we close out our 60th anniversary,” Poole said.

Following a worldwide search for a replacement for Poole, Matt Shields, a graduate of Radford University, was named the new Managing Director. Shields loved Southwest Virginia, but he grew up just outside of Washington, D.C. He was the Director of Productions before joining the Mill Mountain Theatre family seven years ago.

“I’m eager to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from working in almost every department at Mill Mountain Theatre,” Shields said.

Although we have collaborated for seven years, we have been working closely together for the last three. Since we really share an office, much of that change was already happening whether we realized it or not, and it simply made things easier. We didn’t even realize we had a running start,” Poole remarked.

Shields stated that he is dedicated to preserving the solid connections Poole has established between the theater and artists in the community.

Is it perfect? is a question that a few others here and I frequently ask. Is it better, though? Indeed. I therefore wish to approach my leadership with that mindset. I want to improve it a little bit every year. Shields stated, “I want more people in the community to get to know us, love what we do, and have a good time when they leave.”

Poole stated that she is confident Shield will guide the theater into its next stage as the curtain rises on this new era.

“It is evident that he respects Mill Mountain Theatre and our work since he enters with a strong enthusiasm for it. He is aware of our community and our identity as an artists organization within it. “I’m eager to see what comes next,” Poole remarked.

Shields urges guests to get their tickets in advance as the theater prepares for an exciting new season.

In my opinion, everyone will enjoy what we have prepared. You should anticipate more of the things you enjoy about Mill Mountain Theatre since that is our objective and what we will provide,” Shields added.

To guarantee a seamless transition, Poole will continue to serve as a consultant for the Theatre.