GARRISON, NY (October 5, 2021) – In its continuing dedication to engaging audiences in and beyond the Hudson Valley with theatrical celebrations, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) announced the addition of two new senior staff appointments. Emily Casey will join as Director of Marketing and Communications, and Alma Malabanan-McGrath will serve as the Festival’s inaugural General Manager.
“We are delighted to welcome both Emily and Alma to the Festival team,” said Katie Liberman, HVSF’s Managing Director. “With decades of combined experience and expertise in the performing arts space, we know that both will bring fresh perspectives on the world of theater and innovative creativity to HVSF.”
Prior to joining the HVSF team, Emily served as the director of marketing and communications at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a nonprofit cultural arts center located in Sullivan County. There, she played an integral role in developing the overall brand while marketing and promoting over 300 events annually, celebrating Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary and supporting development and fundraising initiatives. At HVSF, Emily will work closely with the Festival’s leadership team in overseeing all of HVSF’s promotion, communication, audience experience and institutional branding efforts.
Formerly, Alma served as the General Manager for nearly four years at Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ. While there, during and outside of pandemic lockdown, she worked on the producing team that commissioned nine plays, three radio plays, and produced four world premieres. Prior to her time at Two River, Alma spent 14 years at New 42nd Street, where she oversaw the operations of the company’s 84,000 square foot performing arts facility in the heart of Times Square. At HVSF, Alma will work collaboratively with all departments, as well as executive leadership and the board of directors, to support the Festival’s repertory theatre season, while also assisting with capital planning and development.
“This is a momentous time for HVSF, as we look to the post-COVID era and our future in a new, permanent home,” said HVSF Artistic Director Davis McCallum. “Katie and I are thrilled to add Emily and Alma to our team, and further add to the excitement of HVSF’s future.”