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Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2007 > December > 06 > Entry
Salvage Vanguard Theater founder to leave
Whoa. BIG news from Salvage Vanguard Theater.
Jason Neulander — founder and artistic director of the theater group for 13 years — has announced today that he is stepping down in late spring of 2008.
“It’s been an incredible run,” says Neulander, 38. “I’ve been thinking about stepping down for some time. Now that we’ve built our new space, it seems like the perfect time to move on. I’m thrilled to have developed the company to a point that will allow it to continue and thrive beyond the tenure of its founder.”
Neulander rode his motorcycle into town in 1993 after nabbing two degrees from Brown University in Rhode Island. He set about starting a theater company with a self-described punk aesthetic and a determination to give new voices a stage.
He did that alright. Neulander’s been responsible for some 50 premieres of new work, advocating the work some emerging super-talents such as playwright Dan Dietz and composer Graham Reynolds and racking up plenty of local awards. Neulander also took his popular live radio play “The Intergalactic Nemesis” on the road and it continues to travel nationally.
Last year, the vagabond company put down roots when it opened its first permanent home, concerting a rambling 9,000-square-foot warehouse on Manor Road into a theater with auxiliary exhibit and production space.
As a result of the physical growth, the organization has seen some exponential growth from an annual budget of under $150,00 a few years ago to $400,000 this year. “The organization is incredible fiscal shape,” says Neulander. “We’re going to end this year in the black.”
Neulander said that he’s had inklings that it was time to leave his post for a while now. Call it “founder’s syndrome” — the burn-out that comes with putting your all into it.
“For me personally, I feel like I hit an artistic peak about two years ago and struggled with my vision for the work we’re producing,” says Neulander. “Sure, there’s a lot of sadness in the decision, but I leave with the knowledge that I set out to do what I originally wanted. But now I need to step away.”
Neulander added that not having enough time for his growing family — he and his wife have an 8-year-old and a one-year-old — was a major decision factor.
Salvage Vanguard’s board has already formed a search committee and begun the process of hiring Neulander’s replacement. The committee will formally announce a national search in January.
Reza Shirazi, SVT’s board chair, says: “Just as SVT has grown, the board has matured into a committed group from across the spectrum of Austin community leaders. I am confident that the board will find a excellent successor to Jason to lead SVT through the next decade of creating and presenting great new art.”
Jason Neulander
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By Mike Henry
December 14, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Couldn’t agree more with Ann. Many thanks to Jason for all he’s done for the arts in Austin. Sounds like a great reason for a huge party and celebrity roast next Spring.
Best,
Mike Henry Electric Lounge Alumni Association
By Ann Ciccolella
December 7, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Wow. We in the field totally understand… and thank Jason for all his good work in making theater stronger in Austin. I remember when he walked into my office at ACoT more than a decade ago, Neulander was ready for action from day one.
Recently, I have been teaching a Shakespeare Studio acting workshop at the new SVT space and we have loved making Shakespeare’s words sing on the second stage space. Jason made that possible. He is leaving a legacy of growth.. let’s hope more nurturing strength is to come for the next stage of SVT and for Jason, too! Thanks and a toast to Neulander… hope he finds new lands in Austin for achievement!