LONG BRANCH, N.J.: Dee Dee Irwin has been announced the new managing director of New Jersey’s Repertory Theatre. As managing director—a new role at the theatre, whose leadership team comprises artistic director SuzAnne Barabas and executive producer Gabor Barabas—Irwin’s responsibilities will include audience development, strategic planning, operations, technology, education, marketing, and community outreach for the organization.
“I am thrilled and honored to join NJRep,” said Irwin in a statement. “I look forward to partnering with the amazing and talented staff and board as we lead this organization into a new and exciting phase. I also can’t wait to become more acquainted with the city of Long Branch, and to work together to further strengthen the relationships between NJRep and the local, state and global community. Together we will continue the mission of NJRep to make a long-lasting impact on the new plays of the American stage.”
A native of Los Angeles, Irwin has worked in theatre and event production, and marketing and development for commercial and nonprofit organizations. She previously served as director of marketing and communications and associate producer at California’s Laguna Playhouse, where she worked for nine years, supporting the theatre’s scope of productions and community programming, overseeing the 100th anniversary branding campaign, and implementing strategies that increased ticket revenue.
In a statement, NJRep executive director Gabor Barabas said of Irwin, “Her passion for the arts, combined with her extensive background in supporting new and innovative theatre, is a perfect match for us.”
Added artistic director SuzAnne Barabas in a statement, “Dee Dee is a lifelong advocate for inclusiveness and brings with her a strong vision for NJRep’s future and for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We look forward to her joining our team.”
NJ Repertory Theatre is a nonprofit professional theatre with a mission to develop and produce new plays and to make a lasting contribution to the American stage. As of 2021, NJRep had an annual budget of approximately $453,000.
