Michael Maso, the founding managing director of Boston's Huntington, will step down from the leadership role he has held at the company for more than 40 years June 30.
He will continue as a senior advisor and executive consultant to The Huntington, ensuring a smooth transition process. Maso had intended to step down at the end of last season, but extended his full-time tenure in order to work with Artistic Director Loretta Greco in her first season as artistic director.
This announcement comes after Maso led the renovation and reopening of the Huntington Theatre in October 2022, the culmination of a seven-year project that included the sale of the theatre and the COVID shutdown. Maso also led The Huntington’s ten-year effort to build the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston’s South End in 2004.
“Michael Maso is the only managing director The Huntington has ever known, and we have been incredibly fortunate to have his visionary leadership for these many years,” says Chairman Randy Peeler. “He leaves an indelible mark on The Huntington as an organization, the broader arts community, the city of Boston, and the national theatre community.”
“Michael Maso has been the heart and soul of The Huntington for a remarkable 40 years,” adds Artistic Director Greco. “Getting to work with him over the past year has been a dream, and one of the reasons that I so passionately wanted to become a part of this community. As he passes the baton to a new managing director, I’m delighted that we’ll continue to collaborate after his full-time tenure ends.”
Maso’s new advisory role will involve special projects and continued fundraising and planning for phase two of The Huntington Theatre renovation and expansion.
“It has been a profound honor and deep privilege to serve as The Huntington’s Managing Director for over 40 years,” says Maso. “I can’t overstate how much pleasure I have derived from working with so many to bring such unadulterated joy, such compassion and understanding, to so many for all these years. I’m grateful to the thousands of dedicated artists, staff members, colleagues, and board members who have enriched my life, and to the theatre lovers and generous donors who have sustained The Huntington, as together we have built The Huntington and the broader cultural community we love. It has been a privilege I will treasure always.”
Under Maso’s leadership, The Huntington grew from an in-house department of Boston University with an annual budget of $700,000 and a staff of 28, to Boston’s independent, non-profit professional theatre with a current budget of $20 million, assets exceeding $90 million, and a full-time staff of 125. Maso collaborated with four Huntington artistic directors to produce over 260 productions, 18 of which went on to Broadway or Off-Broadway runs. During his tenure, The Huntington received over 150 Elliot Norton and Independent Reviewers of New England Awards, as well as the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
The Huntington will welcome a new executive leader this summer. All candidates can apply by clicking here.
