10/10/11 – Klein announces new Executive Director

KLEIN MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BRIDGEPORT, CT/OCTOBER 10, 2011 — The Board of Directors of the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, CT is pleased to announce the appointment of Karl Gasteyer as their new Executive Director.

Karl Gasteyer

Gasteyer’s well-rounded repertoire of skills and accomplishments make him a unique fit for the Klein. In the past 20 years Gasteyer has run two theater companies, taught theater at university and middle school levels, toured road shows throughout North America and has played various roles in the creation of new theater projects throughout the northeast. Karl is also a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. In addition, he is experienced in theater administration and has written proposals and negotiated contracts with many performing arts organizations such as The Actors” Equity Association, Foxwoods casino, Atlantic City Tropicana and The Turning Stone Casino in upstate NY.

Board President James O’Donnell noted, “Karl brings vast amounts of experience in all areas of theater as well as genuine warmth and professionalism to our organization. He also brings a new excitement to the Klein and will inspire new friendships and funding for this theater.”

Gasteyer says his work at the Klein began as soon as he accepted the job even though his contract had not yet begun. “The Klein has the potential to become an incredible performing arts center and as soon as I knew that I’d have the privilege of helping it live up to this potential I began researching and writing out priority lists and meeting with all the board members. It’s the only large performing arts center in Bridgeport and is perfectly equipped to present a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, educate and enhance economic vitality and the diverse population of Bridgeport and Southwestern Connecticut”

The Klein is a 1400 seat historic American theater built in the 1930’s located at 910 Fairfield Ave in Bridgeport. It has played host to programs ranging in scope from symphonies, operas, theater, to local dance recitals, graduations and union meetings as well as political debates. In recent years, it has hosted artists such as The Doobie Brothers, Art Garfunkel, The Black Crowes, Loggins and Messina and Boys to Men. Gasteyer is focused on maintaining the Klein’s legacy for bringing such luminaries as Leonard Bernstein, Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King, just to name a few, to her stage. It has been the home of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony for the past 60 years, which Gasteyer regards as one of its greatest assets.