After a lengthy, valleywide search, the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts is proud to announce its inaugural Board of Directors.

“It was not an easy task to select this board,” said Newhall Family Theatre Manager Tom Lund. “We ultimately received 25 applicants and determined the theatre would be best served by an 11-member board,” added Tom Lund, manager of the newly renovated theater at Newhall Elementary School.

Selected to serve on the inaugural Newhall Family Theatre Board of Directors are Linda Candib, Joelle Danaher, Mary Ferguson, Jeni Fitzgerald, Jen Franco, Marlee Lauffer, Donna Manfredi, Kyla Mayer, Kelly Miyake, Suzan Solomon and Lisha Yakub.

“Each of these newly appointed Newhall Theatre Board members brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be an absolute asset to the organization,” Lund added. “This board will ensure that the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts becomes a valuable part of the community.”

Members of the board are teachers, administrators and business people with experience in arts education-related organizations.

The Newhall Theatre Board of Directors will begin its work to create a business strategy that will focus on bringing both arts education programs and entertainment into the theatre for the whole valley.

The Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts recently underwent an extensive renovation. The historic 529-seat theatre now features vastly improved acoustics and audiovisual capabilities, plus an expanded stage, renovated lobby and a new outdoor patio area.

The art deco-style theatre was built in 1941 to replace the original Newhall Elementary School Auditorium, which had burned down in 1939. After years of effort by community advocates who sought to restore the auditorium to its former glory as a performance and gathering space for elementary school students and the community, the Newhall School District broke ground in March 2016 on the $4.8 million renovation thanks to funds from Measure E.

The newly transformed auditorium made its debut with a VIP reception in October 2017, with its first use by school children in March with the variety show produced by the students and parents of Stevenson Ranch Elementary School.

Those interested in renting the venue should contact Theatre Manager Tom Lund via email at tlund@newhall.k12.ca.us or by phone at 661-291-4016.