3:45pm | The Long Beach Playhouse Board of Directors recently announced the naming of a new Managing Director, welcoming Long Beach State alum Lauren Morris (pictured right) to head the 81-year old community theatre.

The Playhouse also named a new Marketing Director and Artistic/Technical Director.

Morris, a freelance theatre artist and actor, has theatre production experience in both Indiana and California, and recently graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a Masters Degree in Fine Arts and Business Administration in Theatre Management. She accepted the position on June 7 and looks to lead the highly-regarded theatre into a new age.

“I am honored to be leading an organization that has been so integral to the arts in Long Beach for 80 years,” states Morris. “Our 81st season promises to be full of changes that we hope will galvanize and energize the present and future Long Beach Playhouse community, so be sure to stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter and our web site for updates.”

The Playhouse is currently featuring shows of Spinning Into Butter and No Sex Please, We’re British.

Sue Snead was named the Playhouse’s new Marketing Director, coming from the position of Retail Advertising/Specialty Products Manager for the Press-Telegram until 2009. Her experience with the local business scene and Long Beach connections were top reasons for the selection.

Andrew Vonderschmitt accepted the position of Artistic/Technical Director, having directed more than thirty productions in Long Beach and Orange County. He has served similar positions with the Deep Blue Sea Repertory and Garden Grove Playhouse.

Follow the lbpost.com on our Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages.