Bedford Playhouse Names New Executive Director

BEDFORD, NY — Bedford Playhouse has hired a new executive director. The organization recently announced Michael “Hoagy” Hoagland will take over in the top job.

Hoagland comes to the Playhouse with a 30-year career in entertainment, from performing on stages around the globe to writing and producing large production shows for theaters and casinos. Most recently, he was senior director of brand advancement and events at the USO in New York City, where he served as the creative compass for the organization, overseeing the design and production of events, communication and marketing and brand activations, according to a spokesperson.

“Hoagy joins Bedford Playhouse at a critical time as we anxiously look forward to our reopening,” said Sarah Long, board chairwoman for Bedford Playhouse.

“He is a strategic thinker who brings a diverse skillset to our organization." she said. "We look forward to having him guide us as we embark upon the next chapter for our incredible Playhouse.”

In response to the new coronavirus pandemic, Bedford Playhouse closed its doors in March and has since transformed its programming into the “Virtual Playhouse” — offering a broad range of movies, lectures and special programming.

Over the summer, the Playhouse continued to host several sociallydistant events to bring the community together, including outdoor concerts on the Playhouse Lawn, drive-in movie nights and sales of curbside concessions for families to enjoy movies at home.

All of this work has been done under the leadership of Kim Speegle, a member of the Playhouse Board of Directors who quickly stepped in as interim executive director.

Long said the Playhouse could not have done any of this work without Speegle’s leadership.

"She has carefully and thoughtfully dedicated her time and energy to the Playhouse these past few months. We are grateful for Kim’s continued commitment to the Playhouse and our community,” she said.

Hoagland said he was thrilled to be joining Bedford Playhouse at this important time.

“I know first-hand how critical a thriving arts organization is to a community," he said. "As a steward for the next generation, I am eager to leverage my industry experience to engage with our members, expand our exceptional programming and welcome the community back through our Playhouse doors.”

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