ROANOKE, VA.: Mill Mountain Theatre has announced that Matt Shields will be their new managing director, succeeding producing artistic director Ginger Poole, who retires on Dec. 31. Poole will remain on a consulting contract with the theatre to ensure a smooth transition for the new leadership. Shields begins his tenure on Jan. 1, 2025.
“Matt’s unique blend of strategic thinking and production expertise makes him the ideal leader for this next chapter at Mill Mountain Theatre,” said Cynthia Lawrence, chair of the search committee, in a statement. “He has a deep understanding of the theatre’s mission and a proven track record of excellence that will guide us as we continue to grow and inspire our community.”
A native of Virginia, Shields grew up in Loudoun County. In 2013, he moved to the Roanoke region to attend Radford University, where he graduated with a BS in theatre. Shields has served in a variety of positions at Mill Mountain, including props master, costumes manager, teaching artist, scenic designer, and company manager. As director of production, he has managed complex productions and overseen the theatre’s operational efficiency.
“His business insight has been instrumental in optimizing budgets, fostering community partnerships, and ensuring Mill Mountain Theatre remains a vibrant cultural hub for Roanoke and beyond,” said Poole in a statement.
Originally founded in 1964 as the Mill Mountain Playhouse, Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. As of 2023, the theatre had a budget of $1.42 million.
