The Landmark Theatre’s Board of Trustees unanimously chose its new executive director.

Thomas Kazmierczak will become director of the Syracuse theater. Kazmierczak’s extensive experience in theater management, as well as working with unions and technical companies put him at the top of the list, said James Albanese, board president.

He added that Kazmierczak has put on a number of different performances, and has even worked as a producer and fundraiser.

Kazmierczak will succeed current executive director Denise DiRienzo, who worked at the Landmark Theatre for 13 years. DiRienzo decided to step down to focus on teaching at the State University of New York at Oswego, Albanese said.

“I’m ready to add my own energy, excitement and creativity to theatre,” Kazmierczak said. “I want to capitalize on what Denise has done.”

Albanese said the board narrowed its search down to three candidates out of about 20 resumes it received from across the country, submitted through the League of Historic American Theatres.

“We got applications from all over: Texas, California, Ohio, Arizona and even some locals,” Albanese said. “We were looking for someone with educational background and also management experience in their job background.”

Kazmierczak will be leaving his position as the executive director of The Sandusky State Theatre in Sandusky, Ohio. But, having grown up near Buffalo, N.Y., he’s familiar with the area. His wife also studied at Syracuse University at one point.

He said he is excited to start as director of the Landmark Theatre.

“Within seconds, I was completely sold by the community and building,” Kazmierczak said. “I always wanted to run a theater that could accommodate big Broadway shows.”

Kazmierczak said he hopes to hit the ground running as soon as he gets to Syracuse. He said he first wants to meet with his staff and do a “swap analysis” to identify strengths and weaknesses.

He also said he plans to explore the operations of the theater and community, and focus on additional programming by increasing events such as weddings, celebrations and parties at the venue.

“I want to work on more holiday and Christmas programs,” Kazmierczak said.  “I did a lot of destination packages here in Ohio, and hope to bring that to Syracuse.”

Kazmierczak said he hopes to use his background in cultural tourism to create a multitude of event packages and bring more group tourism to Syracuse.

“It’s not about just selling the theater, but the community surrounding the theater,” he said.

Kazmierczak will also lead fundraising, and wants to heavily focus on filling more seats by adding more events. The main priority now is maximizing the recent renovations in the theater.

Mary Kate Hartmann, development director of the Landmark Theatre, said the staff is excited for Kazmierczak to arrive.

“We are looking forward to him being here,” Hartmann said.

Kazmierczak said he fell in love with theater at a young age, when his aunt took him to a performance of “Cats.” He made his directorial debut at the age of 16, when he worked as the director of his community theater group, Cheektowaga Youth Players.

Recently, a family friend contacted Kazmierczak to congratulate him on the new job.

“‘I remember when you were in the ninth grade,’” Kazmierczak recalled the friend saying, “‘It’s good see your dream has come true.’”

Published on February 26, 2013 at 11:57 pm

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