By Sophie Lange, News Editor
On Tuesday, Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano sent a campus-wide email announcing that Brett W. Messenger will become the Executive Director of the Majestic Theatre next month. Messenger currently serves as the Curatorial Director of Live Arts at the Morris Museum in Morristown, N.J.
During his time at the Morris Museum, Messenger led the efforts for world premieres of various performing arts programs, including those related to theater, music, dance, lectures and interdisciplinary projects. He also began live, outdoor performances during the COVID-19 pandemic, catching the attention of The New York Times.
Before his time at the Morris Museum, Messenger was the Program Administrator at Peak Performances at Montclair State University. In this role, he led the production of a performance series that garnered international acclaim, as well as major events at Montclair, such as one featuring the late Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“Brett’s commitment to fostering partnerships, enhancing audience engagement, and championing student learning outcomes clearly aligns with the values and aspirations of Gettysburg College. We are confident that his leadership, collaboration, and strategic vision will usher in a new era of excellence for the Majestic Theater,” Iuliano said.
Iuliano expressed gratitude to the members of the search committee, including:
- Vice President for Finance and Administration Mike Coyne.
- Director of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music and Associate Professor of Music James Day.
- Associate Vice President of Advancement and Campaign Director Betsy Diehl ’84, P’14.
- Adams Endowed Professor of Theater Arts Chris Kauffman ’92.
- Member of the Gettysburg College Board of Trustees Dave Salisbury ’85, P’15.
- Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Jamie Yates.
Finally, Iuliano invited the campus community to join him in welcoming Messenger into his new role.
“I am excited to witness the transformative impact he will undoubtedly have on our campus community, the region, and the broader cultural landscape,” Iuliano said.
