New managing director named to lead renovation and reopening of the Lyric Theater

The Lyric Theater of Wooster has welcomed Jeremy Thomas as its managing director to lead the renovation and reopening of the downtown Wooster theater. Thomas takes the reins of the non-profit theater as it works to launch renovations and prepare for opening as an independent cinema and live event space.

Thomas is a veteran theater manager with more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of cinema operations with Cinemark, including a stint at the Movies 10 in Wooster. Among other things, he oversaw the renovation and reopening of the Movie Bistro in North Canton. He is a lifelong lover of the movies, a big supporter of the arts, a diehard Cleveland sports fan, and a resident of Canton, where he and his wife of 22 years are raising four daughters.

“We think Jeremy is the perfect match for the Lyric,” said Laura Neill, Co-Chair of the Search Committee. “He knows theaters inside and out, and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty.”  Neill helped lead a search that attracted more than fifty experienced candidates from across the country.

Greg Shaya, President of the Board and Co-Chair of the Search Committee, added, “We are thrilled to bring Jeremy into the Lyric family. He is familiar with our community, and he knows the power of great movies and distinctive events. He will help make the Lyric a destination for film and music, conversation, and fun.”

In 2021, with the help of a small group of donors, the organization bought the old Lyric Twin (or Big Picture) at 116 E. South St. Soon after, the non-profit launched a $2.75m capital campaign, entitled “Let’s Get Together at the Lyric!” With the help of a Cultural Facilities Grant from the State of Ohio and the support of numerous foundations, corporations and individual donors, the group has reached 80% of the fundraising goal.

Lyric Theater will mark gateway to Arts District

“Our Wooster Community will be so excited to have a new entertainment venue in our downtown,” commented Mayor Bob Breneman. “It is a perfect complement to the area restaurants, shops, and housing units that have been expanding in our City Center. The Lyric Theater will also mark the gateway to the Arts District that we are working to establish with our new comprehensive plan on the southern side of our downtown.  Our sincere thanks go out to the organization and the donors for all their leadership, hard work and contributions to bringing the Lyric Theater back as a destination spot for our city.”

Thomas succeeds Carolyn Robinson, former executive director, who will continue working alongside Thomas for a period to support his transition. “It's been a dream of mine to lead an independent theater,” said Thomas. “We will have the flexibility to offer not only mainstream movies, but independent films, documentaries, live music, and special events that can be tailored to our community. It is a privilege to have this opportunity and I am excited to bring a unique experience to downtown Wooster.”

Today the board is working hard to finalize fundraising for the renovation and reopening of the theater. The Lyric Theater of Wooster will be an important entertainment venue and economic development catalyst not just for downtown Wooster, but for the entire Wayne County community and surrounding region.

More information can be found at: www.lyricwooster.org.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Lyric Theater of Wooster names Jeremy Thomas its new managing director