ASHLAND — The Ashland Schine’s Theatre Board of Directors has hired Chris Skinner as the theatre’s first-ever Executive Director.
He will be working on the final stages of the facility’s construction and renovation, and prepare the Theatre for its grand opening in late 2022/early 2023.
Skinner’s extensive background in the management of historic theatre buildings, combined with his knowledge of all aspects of finances and theatre operations, will help set the course for success at the Schine’s.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris as our Executive Director,” said Ashland Schine’s Theatre Board President Scott Donley. “He brings with him the hands-on experience, enthusiasm, and energy that will be required to successfully open and manage the Theatre.
“This job requires a unique skill set and we were lucky to find them in Chris.”
In addition to the work required to reopen Ashland Schine’s Theatre — which has been closed to the public since 2009 — Skinner will manage all day-to-day operations, and a program schedule that will offer movies year-round, along with opportunities to enjoy live entertainment.
He will lead fundraising programs, as well as marketing and community engagement initiatives.
“To have the chance to bring the Theatre back to life as a thriving cultural and entertainment hub is really a dream come true. I’m thrilled to lead a project that will have a significant impact on the vitality of downtown Ashland,” stated Skinner.
An experienced facilities and program manager, Skinner most recently served as the Executive Director of the Midland Theatre in Newark, Ohio.
Prior, he was employed for more than 14 years as the Director of Operations at the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) and was responsible for all aspects of event operations and facilities management for the Southern, Ohio, and Palace Theatres and the Vern Riffe Center.
He first acquired his budgeting and marketing skills as a General Manager for Cameron Mitchell’s Rusty Bucket restaurant operations.
As Scott Donley noted, “Thanks to the generosity of our community and the leadership of our board, we are in the final stages of construction and renovation. With our new Executive Director in place, we can grow and excel for the benefit of our entire community for years to come.”
About Ashland Schine’s Theatre
The nonprofit organization Ashland Schine’s Theatre, Inc. was established in 2015 by a group of dedicated community volunteers to purchase and restore the Theater as a multipurpose entertainment destination – a home for studio and independent films, community programming, and live entertainment.
The organization recently completed a successful $4.3 million fundraising campaign to cover the cost of renovation and initial operating expenses.
