Kelsey Joins Peninsula Players as Managing

Ted Laitner, President of the Peninsula Players Board of Directors announced recently that Brian Kelsey will be the new Managing Director of the organization. Kelsey, who has been Executive Director of the Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) for five years, joins the Players following the departure of Players Executive Producer Todd Schmidt, who left last fall to manage the George Street Playhouse in New Jersey. As Managing Director, Kelsey will oversee the operational aspects of the theater, partnering with Artistic Director Greg Vinkler, who is responsible for the theatrical side. Both will report to the Board of Directors in the new managerial structure.

Kelsey said, “I am honored to be joining this remarkable cultural institution with such a rich history and passion for the arts in Door County…I am keen to start working with the Players board and staff to successfully complete the capital campaign, increase ticket sales and build our community presence.”

Kelsey has brought the DCMM to greater prominence during his tenure with such initiatives as the record-breaking Pirates! exhibit. Kelsey is a member of the Door County Visitor Bureau and the Volunteer Center boards, past president of the Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance, and was recently appointed to the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Tourism board.

The Players retained MCA, the premier national firm specializing in executive search for the arts and cultural community, with more than 20 years experience in theatrical personnel search. MCA found more than 20 candidates from around the country, four of whom were interviewed by the Players search committee. Kelsey was the overwhelming choice.

“We are very sad to see Brian leave the museum,” said Dan Austad, President of the Door County Maritime Museum’s Board of Directors. “He has done a remarkable job in guiding the museum during the past five years and has made a huge impact on both the offerings and visibility of the museum. On behalf of the entire board, I wish him every success at the Peninsula Players.” Kelsey said, “It was a difficult decision to leave the Door County Maritime Museum, as it is an organization in which I deeply believe and which I will continue to support. I am confident that the museum staff, with the support of the board, will be a solid team during the transition between my departure and the hiring of a new Executive Director.”