ST. PETERSBUG, FLA.: American Stage Theatre has named Anthony Winter-Brown their new managing director. Winter-Brown previously served as the director of visitor experience at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

“Anthony’s background in both retail and in performance venues immediately showed his capacity for managing teams and finances effectively, and spoke to his ability to handle the fast pace of theatrical work,” producing artistic director Helen R. Murray said in a statement. “He immediately struck us with his warm demeanor and deep sense of curiosity about the work American Stage is doing.”

Winter-Brown came to a temporary position at the Royal Albert Hall from a career at Waitrose and Partners food retailers. “I have loved live theatre ever since I was a teenager, so fate and seizing the moment definitely played a part” in the career transition, Winter-Brown said in a statement. “I am really excited to continue working for a nonprofit performing arts organization. I hope to bring my experience of working with a similar funding model in the U.K. and ensure that American Stage has the financial longevity to continue positively representing and impacting our local community.”

Winter-Brown steps in after former American Stage managing director CJ Zygadlo left earlier this year. American Stage’s outdoor production of the musical Ragtime is currently running at Demens Landing Park.

American Stage Theatre provides live theatrical productions to the Tampa Bay region. American Stage is the longest-running regional theatre company in the area and connects the community to powerful stories of the moment and the past through year-round, accessible programming. As of 2021, the theatre had a budget of approximately $2.3 million.