The High Point Theater is a very active institution and one that’s in the center circle of cultural activities for the county’s second-largest city.
Now, that important institution has a new director calling the shots.
On Friday, August 30, High Point City Manager Tasha Logan Ford announced that Dr. Dan Barnard has been appointed the High Point Theatre director.
She said it was his extensive experience that put him ahead of the others seeking the job.
“Dr. Barnard brings experience, having worked in several venues nationwide,” the city manager said upon the announcement. “This experience will help our theatre continue to evolve, providing offerings that educate and entertain our community. We are excited to have him join our leadership team.”
Barnard has spent nearly two decades providing curated programming in various parts of the country. His previous work included directing a chamber music series in Pennsylvania, an 800-plus-seat performing arts center in Texas, an 1100-seat theater in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a historic 900-plus-seat theater and conference center in Meridian, Mississippi – with a solid regional draw and a $2 million budget.
Barnard is also well-known nationally in the performing arts industry.
He recently worked with the Board of Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music to reopen the Ellis Theater in Mississippi.
He has also collaborated with, and brokered partnerships with, colleges, sister organizations, internal colleagues and vendors. He received his Doctoral of Musical Arts from Kansas University.
“I’m looking forward to bringing a creative and collaborative approach to the High Point Theatre,” he said. “I want to use my composer skills and data-driven budget management experience to make a difference in this community,”
Barnard’s wife, Angela, and his daughter, Iris, will join him as soon as Iris completes her senior year at the Mississippi School of the Arts.
I wish Dr. Dan Barnard much success.