Wisconsin’s iconic Barrymore Theatre on Madison’s east side has announced the appointment of Jared Duymovic as its new general manager, marking a pivotal moment for the region’s performing arts community. This transition follows a national search, ensuring the nearly century-old barrymore theatre remains a hub for diverse culture and local entertainment in Wisconsin.

Transition in Leadership at Barrymore Theatre

Jared Duymovic will officially step into his role on August 31, succeeding longtime manager Steve Sperling. Sperling’s three-decade tenure was instrumental in revitalizing the atwood neighborhood, making the barrymore theatre a central force among madison venues. Sperling was celebrated for fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, shepherding more than 3,000 performances and ensuring the theater became a cornerstone for both community events and performing arts in Wisconsin.

Duymovic Brings Industry Experience

Prior to this appointment, Duymovic served as an agent with Cadenza Artists International and also managed programming at the Overture Center. As he takes on theatre management at the barrymore theatre, Duymovic expressed a strong desire to carry forward the venue’s community engagement and commitment to diverse programming—a key part of its longstanding identity as one of the region’s vital independent theaters.

Honoring a Legacy of Inclusion

The legacy set by Sperling is not lost on Duymovic. Sperling’s leadership created a space where international acts, local talent, and neighborhood organizations could converge. Such dedication not only boosted the local entertainment landscape but also strengthened ties with residents and the business community. For Sperling, watching the barrymore theatre foster performing arts and host events like atwoodfest has been a defining part of his career.

Independent Spirit in a Changing Landscape

As larger corporate venues continue to emerge in Wisconsin, the barrymore theatre remains an essential independent outpost. Its standing alongside other madison venues, such as the Atwood Music Hall, reinforces the neighborhood’s unique cultural fabric. The board’s chair underlined the importance of maintaining this independent spirit, emphasizing how independent theaters bring singular value to Wisconsin’s atwood neighborhood.

Commitment to Community Engagement and Events

Producing hallmark community events like atwoodfest remains at the forefront of Duymovic’s vision. He acknowledges the challenge of upholding the high standards set by Sperling but believes in continuing to reflect and serve the needs of the neighborhood and broader Wisconsin region. Engaging with local organizations, Duymovic plans to sustain and innovate the theater’s role in supporting community engagement, further cementing its status among leading madison venues.

Looking Ahead for the Barrymore

As Duymovic assumes leadership, the broader Wisconsin arts scene will be watching how he shapes the next chapter for the barrymore theatre. With a focus on diverse programming, independent operation, and sustained connections to local entertainment, the theater looks poised to continue serving as a linchpin for the performing arts and atwood neighborhood community for years to come.