FROM HOUDINI TO HEPBURN…AND BEYOND

For 108 years and 88 years the Paramount and State Theatres have been entertaining six generations of Austin. But in a rapidly changing city, what is the plan for ensuring that the next generations of performers and patrons will have access to these stages? Paramount Theatre CEO Jim Ritts will discuss some of these plans and why you should care.

About our Speaker:

Jim Ritts was named chief executive officer and executive director of the Austin Theatre Alliance in May, 2011. The Austin Theatre Alliance has the management and operational responsibilities for the Paramount Theatre, State Theatre and Moontower Comedy Festival.

Mr. Ritts was most recently president and chief executive officer of Primedia Television, which consisted of Channel One Network, Hacienda Productions, Primedia Digital Video, Primedia Productions, and Films Media Group. The companies were divisions of Primedia Inc., where Mr. Ritts served as a corporate officer.

Mr. Ritts received a bachelor's degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism of Northwestern University. He was honored as a charter member of Medill s Hall of Achievement. Mr. Ritts held board positions with Signature Theatre (New York), The World Golf Hall of Fame, The Founding Board of the National First Tee Program, Joffrey Ballet (Marketing Board -New York), The Advertising Council, the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, the Positive Action for Teen Mental Health Program (Columbia University), the University of Texas College of Communication Foundation Advisory Council, the Supreme Court of Texas Grievance Oversight Committee, the Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA), the University of Texas Sports and Media Project, and Texans for the Arts. He currently sits on the boards of Visit Austin and the Hi, How Are You Project.

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