By Tony Hicks –
Carolyn Jackson is the new general manager of the Lesher Center for the Arts, the city of Walnut Creek announced.
Jackson replaces longtime general manager Scott Denison, who retired in January. Jackson has served in the role as interim general manager for the past nine months.
Jackson will lead all resident programming at the Lesher Center, including the presentation series, Center Repertory Company, Bedford Gallery, venue rentals and educational programs.
Jackson has a variety of experiences in arts administration and local government. A Bay Area native trained in dance, she served as assistant director for modern dance company DancEthos, based in Washington, D.C.
Jackson is also the former communications director for non-profit theater Dance Place, where her responsibilities included serving on the curatorial team for the annual performance season and creating and enacting comprehensive programmatic and institutional marketing plans for programs in theater, school, and community.
Jackson has a bachelor’s degree in dance and economics from George Washington University and a master’s degree in arts administration from American University. She’s been Walnut Creek’s community relations manager for the Arts and Recreation Department since 2015 and has strong relationships with arts leaders throughout the community, the city said in a statement.
“Carolyn’s education and experience made her the ideal candidate for this position,” Walnut Creek City Manager Dan Buckshi said in a statement. “She is uniquely suited to carry our arts programming into the future, and to guide our team working at the Lesher Center.”
Jackson said it’s an exciting time to be a part of the Lesher Center.
“I’m honored to be leading the Center as we build upon a legacy of excellence by developing and presenting arts programming that expands who feels at home at the Lesher Center,” Jackson said. “I look forward to continuing to build positive relationships with our diverse community of artists, producers, patrons, and supporters.”
Jackson is expected to institute a variety of new programs and initiatives, including strengthening the existing slate of education programs and launching the “Lesher Center in Your Neighborhood” series, bringing programming to individual neighborhoods.
8 comments
Get new seats. They could use those to torture people in 3rd world countries. I went to see the Nutcracker years ago with my wife, I haven’t been back since.
+ 1
Good – maybe Jackson can make the finances into the profit zone as it was designed and sold to the residents of WC back when Dean Lesher was proposing this to the city.
I think I’ve been there 2-3 times, the last time probably 1991. I think I forgot that place existed.
I think some are being critical. There are some good things going on in Lesher. We have seen some good plays there. Not sure why we need all that info on the new chief.
I love the Lesher Center and go as often as possible. Easy parking and plenty of restaurants within walking distance. They have excellent shows without the hassle of going into SF. My parents use to take the family there many times a year when it was Walnut Creek Civic Arts Center.
Over the years we’ve enjoyed festival opera a few times, and the ARF concert series etc. It really is a nice venue. However the theatre is likely located in the wrong town.
Walnut Creek has become somewhat devoid of art and culture as the new crop of citizens seem to have more of an “Orange County” attitude.
The “I’m OK you suck” crowd probably won’t attend Lesher events. Perhaps this new General Manager can find a way to entice this group.
Not sure what you are talking about. Before covid the theater was alway full when we went.
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