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Big Thanks to a Hangar Great

Jan 13th, 2023
 

 

Big Thanks to a Hangar Great:

A Tribute to Production Manager Adam Zonder

 

As our Production Manager of 28 years (!), Adam Zonder, moves on to explore new horizons, we bid him a very fond farewell, and wish to express our deep gratitude for his many years of service to the Hangar. Adam has been an essential part of the Hangar’s history: his steady guidance, meticulous organization, and love of theatre have been a propelling force for the Hangar as it evolved into the exceptional professional theatre it is today.

 

Adam is sometimes a man of few words. We wanted to send him off with as many of his own words as possible–so we engaged with him for a final Hangar Q&A.

 

How did you come to work at the Hangar?

In 1996, while in graduate school, I applied to be the Technical Director (TD) for the summer season. After interviewing with the Production Manager, Stephen Spoonamore, I was offered the job. This was also Bob Moss’s last summer as the Artistic Director. The following winter, I applied to be the Production Manager and after interviewing with both Jerry Smith, Managing Director, and Mark Ramont, Artistic Director, I got the job. For the next couple of summers it was pure happenstance that I ended up being available for the summer season. After that, I specifically took work allowing me to return each summer.

 

What has been your favorite part of the job?

The sheer variety of events/shows has always been one of my favorite parts, from the Wedge to KIDDSTUFF to Mainstage, and more recently concerts, lectures, parties. [Also] seeing the places and positions that former apprentices, interns, and fellows have achieved/attained after having participated in the Hangar’s various training programs especially those from the Stage Management and Design programs. 

          

What do you find most challenging?

Navigating the ups and downs of a non-profit especially related to budget while balancing the volume and quality of the work.

 

Favorite Hangar productions?

Musicals: Hair, Next to Normal, Kinky Boots, Great Comet

Non-Musicals: Bach at Leipzig, As You Like It, Red, Talley’s Folly 

 

 

Hair

 

Kinky Boots

 

Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812

 

What shows do you wish we'd been able to do during your time at the Hangar?

Musicals: Chess, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens

Non-Musicals: Copenhagen, A Walk in the Woods, Death of a Salesman

 

Adam Zonder at the Hangar, by the Numbers:

27 seasons =

857 unique members of the tech staff

239 single day rental events

169 Wedge Productions

151 KIDDSTUFF Productions

137 Mainstage Productions

128 Design Fellows/Apprentices

101 Drama League Directing Fellows

59 multi-day rental events

50 Mainstage Costume Designers

49 Other HTC shows/events

49 Mainstage Directors

45 Mainstage Set Designers

44 Mainstage Lighting Designers

34 Mainstage Sound Designers

8 Artistic Directors

5 Mainstage Projection Designers

3 Admin Offices

2 outdoor performance space designs

1 multi-million dollar renovation

 

And a tribute to Adam Zonder would not be complete without mentioning his sweet sidekick, Shoeshine Zonder. Shine has been a welcome presence at the theatre, always ready for a sniff, a treat, or a walk around the grounds.

 

Thank you Adam and Shine, for the joy, artistry, and vision you brought to the Hangar Theatre!

 

If you haven’t already–check out Adam’s incredible “In Good Spirits” interview series on the Hangar's YouTube page for discussions with a diverse range of designers, stage managers, technicians and other theatre professionals from past Hangar seasons.

 

Photos by Rachel Philipson Photography and Design.

 

 

Tickets Available Now!

 

Join us for KIDDSTUFF Red Riding Hood by Allison Gregory on the Hangar Theatre indoor Niederkorn Stage!

 

Performances:

Thursday, 2/16 @ 9:45 AM

Friday, 2/17 @ 9:30 AM

Saturday, 2/18 @ 10 AM & noon

 

PURCHASE HERE

 

 

Early Bird Discount Extended!

 

Subscribers Enjoy:

  • No Processing Fees on subscription tickets
  • Priority Seating – choose your seats before tickets are available to the public
  • Unlimited Free Exchanges - non-subscribers pay a $7 fee
  • Access to Exclusive Events and Discounted Tickets – Mainstage subscribers save 20% on additional single tickets for the season plus savings on season add-on events
  • 1 Free Guest Ticket – NEW THIS YEAR, share the joy of theatre with a friend by redeeming a bonus ticket for any single Hangar Theatre performance for a non-subscriber

 

PURCHASE HERE

 

 

The Hangar is Hiring!

 

  • General Manager
  • Audience Services Manager
  • Development Coordinator
  • Front of House Associates
  • Teaching Artists

 

Check our website for job descriptions and details for applying.

 

VIEW JOBS

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

Ithaca Ballet Presents:

WinterDance 2023

 

February 11, 2023

7:30 PM

 

An evening of contemporary and innovative dance and choreography.

 

BUY TICKETS

 

 

KIDDSTUFF: Red Riding Hood

 

Thursday, 2/16 @ 9:45 AM

Friday, 2/17 @ 9:30 AM

Saturday, 2/18 @ 10 AM & noon

 

BUY TICKETS

 

 

DSP Shows Presents:

Tab Benoit w/Special Guest JD Simo

 

February 19, 2023

8:00 PM

 

Ticketing inquiries should be directed to DSP Shows by email at info@DSPshows.com or by phone at 607-280-2900. 

 

BUY TICKETS

 

 

Winter Break-a-Leg classes return in February! 

 

Who: 3rd to 6th Graders

 

When: Feb 20-24, 2023 from 9 AM - 3 PM



Program Fee: $330/week (need-based scholarships are available)

 

REGISTER

 

 

DSP Shows:

James McMurtry

 

March 19, 2023

8:00 PM

 

Ticketing inquiries should be directed to DSP Shows by email at info@DSPshows.com or by phone at 607-280-2900. 

 

BUY TICKETS

 

 

 

 

 

Make A Tax-Deductible Donation

 

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