The Performing Arts Center of Rapid City and Black Hills Community Theatre have announced that Nicholas Johnson of WYO Theater in Sheridan, WY will serve as their new joint executive director.
“Nick will be a tremendous addition to the Rapid City arts community and the community as a whole,” said Kristol McKie, president of the board of directors for the Performing Arts Center. “He brings exceptional energy and depth of experience to the leadership of our organizations’ business management, fundraising and artistic programming.”
Johnson has performing arts leadership experience from the Chicago Symphony, Northwestern University and the Grand Teton Music Festival and recently led the WYO Theater’s $5 million capital facility project. He has a background in music and a Master’s degree in music from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.
Johnson will take the helm of the two organizations in early April, replacing outgoing Performing Arts Center director Merritt Olsen. Michael Kraklio, current director of the community theatre, will take over as artistic director.
The Performing Arts Center of Rapid City and Black Hills Community Theatre led the $7 million campaign to renovate the Performing Arts Center in the new Rapid City High School and are looking to continue their innovative, collaborative leadership through the newly created shared directorship. The Center is home to six performing arts organizations.
“We see sharing a director as a smart, efficient way to get more bang for our buck now that we’re working together under one roof,” said Mary Stein, president of the Black Hills Community Theatre board. “We believe we’ve found the right person to lead us into a very bright future.”