Alan Saban, Artistic Director for Mountain Theatre Company in Old Forge, has been selected as the Performing Arts Program Manager at the Arts Center/Old Forge, according to Executive Director Jennifer Potter Hayes.
He had the Center’s top pick from well over 100 applicants, Hayes said.
“We narrowed the field to three candidates that were interviewed for the position,” she said.
“And of course we’re very pleased that our top choice has agreed to accept the position,” she added.
Saban has a long career in theater, starring in leading roles that include the role of Lionel in I, Lionel, and Alan in Equus with The Ann White Theatre.
He received a BFA in Acting and Directing from Florida Atlantic University after studying theatre at Florida School of the Arts and the Denver Theatre Academy. His directing credits include Bingo, The Winning Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Deathtrap, The Odd Couple, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Greater Tuna, All in The Timing, and Chicago Abyss. One of his favorites is, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
In 2009 he received rave reviews from the Miami Herald and The New Times/Broward for directing Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks at the Rising Action Theatre in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Locally, Saban has directed two Reader’s Theater productions at the Old Forge Library.
He recently used his dance training to choreograph a waltz for the Old Forge Ballet Company production of The Nutcracker.
He got his start in theatre as a dancer with South Florida dance companies which eventually landed him on television as a semifinalist on Dance Fever.
For years he has spent the spring, summer and fall season in the Old Forge/Eagle Bay area and winters in Florida where he has continued his craft as a director.
He is currently working on a show in Florida as assistant director to Tony-nominated director, Michael Leeds. He plans on returning to the area following its close on April 24, and will assume his position at the Arts Center on May 2.
“Being appointed as Performing Arts Program Manager at the Arts Center is fantastic,” Saban said in a phone interview from his Florida home.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and the position works perfectly with my love of theatre and the community. I’m really looking forward to it.”
