Center for Puppetry Arts names executive director

Beth Schiavo has served as the interim director since January.

Beth Schiavo was named executive director of the Center for Puppetry Arts this week.

The center’s board of directors named Schiavo to the permanent post after she’d served as the landmark’s interim director since January. She came on board after the center’s founder, Vincent Anthony, retired last year. Schiavo steps into the new role as arts organizations across Atlanta, as well as the state, struggle with the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on attendance and revenues.

“Working with an inspiring group of leaders, I have been humbled by the innovative people of the Center – their resilience and their passion to continue engaging with patrons during this challenging time,” Schiavo said in a statement. “I am excited to continue this journey to see what the future holds and to be a part of the

Center’s expanding reach to new audiences, particularly families desiring a safe and joyful place to visit with their children, both virtually and when we reopen our doors.”

To meet the challenges presented by local and state stayat-home orders in March, the center began the @ Home program, an online version of the performances and learning programs that in normal times draw about 148,000 people annually to the center in Midtown. The center’s reopening plan is in the final stages and will likely be announced later this month, according to a statement. Digital presentations will continue to be offered as well.

Prior to joining the center Schiavo was a board member of the Woodruff Arts Center and the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and was managing director and CFO of Atlanta-based North Highland Consulting and former audit partner with EY LLP.