Brewery taps new directors

Cynthia deVillemarette and Chris Willson hope to infuse the venerable Brewery Arts Center with a double shot of energy and passion in their new positions.

As deputy director, deVillemarette will assist executive director Phil Caterino in the day-to-day management and office operations of the BAC, while new program director Chris Willson will assist in the production and growth of the musical, theatrical and visual arts fare.

Originally from New Orleans, deVillemarette combines the soft yield of a Southern accent with the polished velocity of a master marketer.

"Phil's been by handling most of the work by himself for a while now," she said. "Now he'll be able to concentrate more on certain projects while I assist him with the daily activities and also help press the flesh."

The new hires talk about their hopes and plans for BAC in the empty, 120-seat Donald W. Reynolds Black Box Theater.

"I've been active in the arts my whole life," said deVillemarette, who owned an art gallery and started a program in her hometown called "Arthouse" to bring arts resources to inner-city kids.

After moving to Carson City to marry, she started out as a customer of BAC then jumped at the chance when she heard they were hiring.

A Shakespeare devotee, Willson directed productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Romeo and Juliet" at BAC before signing on full-time. Willson said he plans to work on another play this summer, perhaps "Love's Labours Lost." But his plans are by no means limited to the Bard of Avon.

"I'd love to get a projector and start showing films," he said. "Movies that we never get over at the local 12-plex." But not just cinephile-friendly standards from Fellini, but movies like "Finding Neverland," he said. "Movies that were out but didn't stick around for long."

"My job," said Willson, excitedly, "is to make sure things are happening."

To that end, BAC is holding a programming committee meeting in the ballroom from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday.

"The public is encouraged to come out and let us know what kinds of events they want to see," he said.

"I'll be making a deliberate effort to reach out to the Hispanic and Native American communities because they're such an important part of our community," said deVillemarette.

Other additions slated for the future are a brand-new Web site, which should be up and running by March; and a revamped performance hall, according to Willson.

"And, of course," said deVillemarette, "we're always looking for sponsors and volunteers."

For more information or to contact, BAC call 883-1976.

Contact reporter Peter Thompson at pthompson@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1215.