Christopher Massimine to Leave National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene
(© Victor Nechay)
After six-and-a-half years as CEO of the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, Christopher Massimine has announced that he will depart the NYTF and join the Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City as the theater's managing director, succeeding the retiring Chris Lino.
The Pioneer Theatre Company is a fully professional theater located in residence on the University of Utah campus. Massimine will partner with artistic director Karen Azenberg in leading the company. He will start on July 1.
Among Massimine's many accomplishments with the NYTF, he was the executive producer of last year's hit Yiddish-language production of Fiddler on the Roof, which recently transferred to Stage 42; and a coproducer of the Tony-winning Broadway play Indecent.
"It's an extraordinary time to join the PTC family," Massimine said in a statement. "Since childhood, I've marveled at the stage. The first time I attended a theatrical production, I went home kindled to joyous wonder. For years, I couldn't put into words what made that exact experience so undeniably impactful that it would guide the trajectory of my professional life. But when I found the words, it was clear there could be no turning back. Good theatre is about the production; great theatre is about developing community. When the work itself comes from a place of authenticity and care, it's noticed and remembered. I have experienced all of those things at PTC, and fallen in love with Utah. I am emphatically inspired, and over the next four months I look forward to working alongside Karen, Chris, the Board, and the University as I transition into year one."
