PHAMALY Has Big Plans for the Future

PHAMALY (The Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League) has appointed Melanie Mayner to the newly created position of Executive Director beginning November 1.

Melanie Mayner recently completed her 14th season as PHAMALY's Production and Marketing Manager overseeing all aspects of the company's 16 major productions. She currently serves on the Board of Directors, a position she will relinquish as she moves into her new role.

As a vital member of the cultural community for many years, Ms. Mayner has been media representative for numerous area theatres and several hundred shows. She produced many critically acclaimed plays through her company Tri-M Productions and presented the Denver Drama Critics Circle Awards for six years. She is past president of the Colorado Theatre Guild, a statewide organization dedicated to the promotion of Colorado's theatre. The CTG honored her with the 2003 "Community Contribution Award" for her extensive work in the theatre community. Melanie held the position of Marketing Manager for the SCFD Tier II Community Awareness Project from October 2001- October 2006 and currently acts as the Cultural Liaison for the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.

When asked about her new position, Ms. Mayner said, "The growth of the organization in recent years has been significant. I am honored to be chosen to lead PHAMALY as we create more opportunities for individuals living with disabilities not only here in Colorado but throughout the country and beyond."

"The PHAMALY Board of Directors is looking forward to the company's third decade of success," said Steve Lawrence, board chairperson. "Melanie brings a trifecta of management experience, respect in the community, and a 14-year track record of contributing to our success. We are confident in her ability to implement programs and discover new opportunities that support PHAMALY's mission."

Lawrence went on to state, "Additionally, the PHAMALY Board has voted to extend the contract of Artistic Director Steve Wilson. Under the artistic leadership of Steve Wilson, PHAMALY's actors have delivered consistently higher levels of production quality. His creativity and sensitivity contribute to the 'family' nature of PHAMALY. We are pleased that Steve will be with us for another three years and look forward to a broader range of stage productions as well as school and community outreach offerings."

PHAMALY's staff is rounded out by Administrative Director Regan Linton, who was brought on board full-time in January of this year.