Commonweal's Jaclyn Johnson named managing director at Rochester Civic Theatre
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Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
May 7—ROCHESTER — The Rochester Civic Theatre has a new managing director. Jaclyn Johnson, former director of production at Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, will step into the lead managing role at RCT. The hire was announced Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Johnson succeeds Misha Johnson, who left RCT in December 2024 after leading the theater for five seasons to serve as managing director at Kahilu Theatre in Hawaii.
Creative director Lindsey Duoos Williams said she is thrilled to work with Jaclyn Johnson.
"Their experience as a multi-hyphenate theater administrator and artist makes them a perfect fit to step into the managing director role," Williams said. "I'm looking forward to partnering with them as we continue to grow the programming at RCT and explore new ways to serve our community."
Johnson earned a degree in theater from Cornell College and studied at the Brave New Institute in Minneapolis.
Prior to joining Commonweal Theatre, Johnson was artistic director of Festival Theatre in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Much like Misha Johnson's tenure at RCT, Jaclyn Johnson led Festival Theatre through a period of restructuring. They increased the organization's revenue and revitalized programming for audiences of all ages.
"I am honored to bring my experience, values, and passion for the arts to the Rochester Civic Theatre," Jaclyn Johnson said. "I believe deeply in the power of the arts to create positive change."
In addition to their professional work, Johnson is also an organizer of Gamesboro, a multifaceted gaming convention in Lanesboro.
Misha Johnson's former role was split into two leading positions — managing director and creative director. Williams was named creative director of the Civic at the end of 2024 .
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