After more than 17 years of service to The City of Frederick’s theater community, Weinberg Center for the Arts and New Spire Arts Executive Theater Manager John Healey announced this week his intent to retire in September.
“While I am sad to see John go, I am excited for him to enjoy his well-deserved retirement and spend time with his family,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor. "John became executive theater manager at a critical time for the Weinberg and The City, and he has been a stabilizing force turning the Weinberg Center into a regional arts attraction. I am sincerely appreciative of all his work in his time with The City.”
Joining the Weinberg Center for the Arts in June 2006, Mr. Healey has presented more than 1,000 events ranging from featuring Emmy Lou Harris, Snarky Puppy, Esperanza Spalding and Lewis Black to Frederick Police Department Academy graduation ceremonies.
“The Weinberg Center for the Arts gave me the opportunity to present diverse programming at reasonable pricing for the Greater Frederick Community,” said Mr. Healey. “I am humbled by the freedom and opportunity I was given by the City of Frederick to do my job and the amazing amount of support from the City, Weinberg Center for the Arts, Inc. and its Board of Directors, my staff and our many members and patrons of the Weinberg Center for the Arts.”
In 2008, Mr. Healey began overseeing the complete renovation of the Weinberg Center for the Arts including seating replacement, upgrades to the lighting and sound systems, and a complete makeover of the interior of the theater. In August 2022, he started to program and oversee the operations of New Spire Arts, a 200-seat Black Box theater across the street from the Weinberg Center for the Arts.
“John has exemplified public service to the residents of Frederick and the region through his insightful programming and stewardship of the Weinberg Center for many years,” said Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development for The City of Frederick. “He is currently working to deliver a fantastic new Weinberg and New Spire Arts season along with an upgraded marquee and lobby bar before his departure in September. He is leaving the City and the Weinberg in terrific shape for the future and I wish him all the best for a well-earned retirement.”
As an actor, Mr. Healey has done more than 100 shows and appeared in numerous films. He has served on performing arts grant review panels for the Maryland State Arts Council, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Pennsylvania Arts Council, and the Arlington County Arts Council in Arlington, Virginia. He also directed more than 70 productions in venues ranging from the smallest of black boxes to a 2,000-seat amphitheater.
The City of Frederick will conduct a search for Mr. Healey’s replacement which will begin in early June.