The board of directors for The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center have announced the appointment of veteran arts executive Wiley Hausam as the organization's new artistic and executive director. Hausam will assume his new role on October 1. He will be charged with leading the Santa Monica cultural institution in the next phase of its journey-including the opening of its newly expanded $23 million East Wing facilities on the SMC Performing Arts campus in early 2016-while building on its successful seven year legacy.
"We are entering into an exciting new phase in The Broad Stage's history," said Richard Kendall, chairman of the board of directors. "With our newest performance hall at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center set to open in 2016, and our ten year anniversary not far in the distant future, we are thrilled to have Wiley, an incredibly accomplished executive in the field, at the helm."
Philanthropist and Broad Stage namesake, Eli Broad noted, "Wiley's unmatched leadership experience in the performing arts, from production to launching large-scale initiatives for top-tier arts institutions, gives us great confidence that we will continue to build on the remarkable growth we have experienced over the past few years while expanding our dynamic cultural offerings and providing our community with access to the highest quality performing arts in Santa Monica."
Hausam is a seasoned arts executive with over 20 years experience both as a producer and executive for some of the nation's most highly regarded arts institutions. Since 2012, he has served as executive director of Stanford Live, a presenter and producer of music, dance, theater and opera at Stanford University. He also launched the university's new, state-of-the-art vineyard-style venue, Bing Concert Hall, which has doubled attendance at performing arts events since its opening in 2013. He will remain on staff at Stanford through the end of October.
Hausam said, "What The Broad Stage has managed to accomplish over the past seven years is truly remarkable. Founding director Dale Franzen's vision and passion for bringing a world-class performing arts venue to the Westside, and the hard work and support of Eli Broad, the leadership at Santa Monica College, and countless others have helped to transform this community by providing compelling programming that engages its residents and visitors in a significant way." He continued, "I am extremely honored at this opportunity and look forward to working with Mr. Broad, Mr. Kendall and the Board of Directors as well as with the staff, and our audiences and supporters to lead this remarkable institution through the next phase of its journey."
In early 2016, SMC's Performing Arts Center will complete a two-year $23 million expansion project, which will provide much needed performance and rehearsal space to elevate the arts curriculum and expand arts programming. The new three-story East Wing facility will be housed on the performing arts campus, and will include a two-story multipurpose main hall, high-quality and flexible rehearsal spaces, additional special event facilities, a choral classroom and a piano classroom.
"Wiley is the perfect fit to take The Broad Stage to new heights," said Jeffery Shimizu, Interim President of Santa Monica College. "His vast experience in innovative programming and managing performing arts centers at universities like Stanford will be a significant catalyst as we expand our educational mission to bring world-class arts to Los Angeles and reach new audiences." Actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith, who credits Hausam for her big break, echoed Shimizu's sentiments, noting, "It is just great that Wiley will be taking over leadership of the Broad...[it] is a very inspirational place to perform, its newness fills me with hope every time, and Wiley is very forward-looking, a great match!"
Hausam received his bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and studied at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He replaces The Broad Stage's Interim Director Mitchell Heskel who assumed the role after Founding Director Dale Franzen stepped down in September 2014. Heskel was recently named Dean of Education Enterprise at Santa Monica College.
