‘Above all, I want it to be fun, and I want everyone to feel welcome.’—Philip MannThe Virginia Samford Theatre has announced that its 2023-24 season, which is the first season under new Executive Director Philip Mann, will follow the theme “History, Family & Magic.”
“The VST family has created programming and educational opportunities that reflect the growth and diversity of Birmingham and our surrounding communities,” Mann said in a statement issued by the theater. “This season, we want to make sure people know these shows represent everyone. There’s not just one way to define family, and that is the magic we’ll see!”
He is succeeding longtime head Cathy Gilmore.
The season begins Sept. 14 with “A Grand Night for Singing,” featuring greatest hits from the world’s most celebrated composers, Rodgers and Hammerstein. It continues with productions including “The Addams Family [email protected],” “Schoolhouse Rock Live!,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and “Into the Woods.”
Mann’s role as the new VST executive director is a full circle moment of sorts, as his parents first met while performing on the VST stage in 1963, according to the statement.
He was raised amid the Birmingham theater community and has worked as a performer, director and producer at VST, Town and Gown, Birmingham Festival Theatre and Birmingham Children’s Theatre. He majored in theater and philosophy at Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is a graduate of the Oxford University Executive Leadership Programme.
Mann began his professional career in not-for-profit arts administration at The Alabama Shakespeare Festival and The Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. He went on to become an agent with the Booking Group in New York City, where he represented several national touring companies including “Rent,” “The Producers,” “Annie” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
After Hurricane Katrina, Mann was hired by Louisiana Economic Development as the division director of Live Performance and Music Industry Development and spent 10 years in state government. He spent the past five years as the executive director of external affairs and foundation trustee of the Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur.
“Philip will be an exceptional and dynamic leader and is the perfect person to carry out the Virginia Samford Theatre’s mission of furthering the cultural opportunities for the Greater Birmingham community through arts education and performances of high artistic merit in theater, music and dance,” said Susan Nettles Han, chair of the Virginia Samford Theatre board of directors.
Big Plans
He is married to former Broadway actress and Jewel of Havana jewelry designer Ana Maria Andricain, whom he met through their love of the arts.
Mann said the VST will continue to produce high-quality musical theater and plays, and he wants to expand on programs aimed to broaden audiences to include younger and diverse generations.
“Above all, I want it to be fun, and I want everyone to feel welcome,” added Mann.
He said he also will be working closely with Birmingham city government, as well as the corporate and philanthropic communities, to tell the story of the VST as a leading cultural and economic driver in the area.
All 2023-24 season productions will take place at the VST, at 1116 26th St. S.
For more details on upcoming season visit virginiasamfordtheatre.org.
English (US)