The Old Globe

Old Globe Selects Managing Director,
Confirms Dual Leadership Structure

The Board of Directors for the Old Globe in San Diego, Calif., recently named Michael G. Murphy as managing director. Murphy was appointed interim managing director in October 2011 after the resignation of CEO/Executive Producer Louis G. Spisto, who oversaw both the artistic and administrative operations of the theatre.

As previously announced, executive search firm AlbertHall&Associates has been retained to conduct a nationwide search to identify artistic leadership for the company.  The Globe's Transition Committee, chaired by board Vice Chair Elaine Bennett Darwin, will continue to work closely with the firm to enlist an artistic director. The Old Globe intends to engage the successful candidate by the fall of 2012.

“The board's initial decision to appoint Michael to the managing director position on an interim basis was made to provide the board with the necessary time to determine the appropriate leadership structure for the Globe, said Board Chair Harold W. Fuson Jr. in a theater press release. “That question has been resolved in favor of returning to the dual leadership structure common to most regional theaters, engaging both a managing director and an artistic director who report jointly to the board of directors.

“For nine years, Michael has been an integral part of the Globe's management team and supervised a large part of the theatre's operation. The board is pleased to secure Michael's talents and views his presence as an important factor in attracting the best artistic director candidates.”

Murphy has been the general manager at the Old Globe since 2003, overseeing the production, education, human resources, information technology and facilities departments, as well as front of house operations. He also managed the construction of the Globe's new theatre and education facilities. Prior to the Globe, he was the managing director of Austin Lyric Opera in Austin, Texas, director of administration of San Diego Opera, and general manager of San Diego Repertory Theatre. Before relocating to San Diego from New York, he held similar positions at Theatre for a New Audience and the Joyce Theater Foundation's American Theater Exchange. He also served as negotiating assistant for the League of Resident Theatres and sales representative for Columbia Artists Theatricals Corp.

April 24, 2012

If you have Shakespearean news to share, e-mail [email protected]