New Roles for Holly Feldman, Dave Maier at Northern Sky

Two years after the Northern Sky board of directors announced their transitional succession plan, long-time staff member Holly Feldman has officially become the company’s managing director. Former managing director Dave Maier will continue with the organization as its company manager.

Feldman served in leadership-support roles at Northern Sky for over 15 years. In spring of 2022, she became the company’s associate managing director, going on to develop the skills necessary for her future role under Maier’s guidance.

As managing director, Feldman will be responsible for the overall business, administrative and operational management of the company, leading revenue generation, fundraising, budgeting, financial management, human resources, information systems, institutional marketing and board relations.

Like most repertory theater companies, Northern Sky Theater has a co-leadership organizational structure; the managing director partners with the artistic director so the company’s business and artistic visions mesh. The managing director renders the artistic director and associate artistic director’s vision into initiatives that are financially sound and exciting for staff and patrons.

As company manager, Maier will be the administrative organizer and planner of Northern Sky’s financial and employment records and reports, providing administrative, logistical and financial reporting assistance to Feldman.

“This transition for our organization is as smooth a one as could ever be hoped for, especially with this high-level position,” said artistic director Jeff Herbst. “I have worked with both Dave and Holly in their respective roles and couldn’t be more reassured in having them make this switch.”

Bill Theisen Joins Board of Directors

Northern Sky Theater has added Bill Theisen to its board of directors. 

Theisen’s relationship with Northern Sky began in 2002 when he directed the co-production of The Spitfire Grill with Skylight Music Theatre and American Folklore Theatre. He returned to act in Packer Fans From Outer Space, No Bones About It, Doctor! Doctor!, Oklahoma in Wisconsin and We Like It Where? In 2022, Theisen directed the remount of Dad’s Season Tickets. 

A Milwaukee native, Theisen spent the past 40 years working in the world of performing arts and education in theater and opera companies, as well as universities and music conservatories.

“Exploring this new chapter as a board member, I hope to bring my experience as artistic director of Skylight Music Theatre as well as my tenure as Director of Opera at the University of Iowa to facilitate the continued excellence of Northern Sky Theater,” Theisen said. 

Guys on Ice Stars Reprise Roles at Milwaukee Rep

If you missed Northern Sky’s performance of Guys on Ice in summer 2023, you can still catch a rendition of the musical comedy at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where actors Steve Koehler, Doug Mancheski and Dan Klarer are reprising their roles in the 25th anniversary production.

Directed and choreographed by Northern Sky’s own Jeffrey Herbst, the play will be performed at the Milwaukee Rep through March 17. Tickets and more information is available at milwaukeerep.com.

Stream the Sounds of Northern SkyDid you know? The soundtracks of several musicals performed by Northern Sky are available to listen to on your favorite streaming platforms. Just look up “Northern Sky Theater” and you’ll find live cast recordings of shows like Dairy Heirs,The Fisherman’s Daughters, Sunflowered,Love Stings and The Fish Whisperer.