Executive Director Jack R. Lemmon today announced that Ray Jivoff has been named Skylight Music Theatre's new artistic director.

Jivoff has been serving as interim artistic director since July 31, 2016. He joined the Skylight staff as education director in 1999. He became Skylight's associate artistic director in 2009.

"When people think of Skylight, they think of Ray," said Lemmon. "He brings a passion and commitment to Skylight that is part of his DNA. Building on that insight and history, Ray is ready to take Skylight forward in a way that honors the past and creates new excitement for the future."

Jivoff's first show with Skylight as an actor was in 1990 when he performed in "Girl Crazy." He recently marked his 25th mainstage role as Albin in "La Cage Aux Folles." As a director, Jivoff has directed three shows at Skylight: "Hair," "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" and "Sing Me A Story, Tell Me A Song." He has also worked as an actor and director at numerous other area theaters.

Michael Lueder, president of Skylight Music Theatre's Board of Directors said, "When the artistic director search committee met to review and discuss and outline what Skylight needed, we realized the answer was right in front of us. As a director, educator and actor, Ray has impacted countless members of the Milwaukee arts community and knows just about everyone. He is tireless and committed to the full breadth of music theater, and that's what Skylight is all about. Ray brings a sense of fun and exuberance to all that he does, and that's an integral part of Skylight."

Skylight Music Theatre held a season announcement event this evening announcing the 2017-18 Season and Jivoff's new position.

"I am proud to be named the new artistic director," said Jivoff. "Our upcoming 2017-18 season reflects my goal to bring a sense of fun to the Skylight experience. Next season, even the more thought-provoking shows will have a comic, fun element to them. The 2017-18 season also reflects my interest and experience as a theater educator with a show that features young people. It is an investment in both the company's and our community's future."