Wood County native Jody Madaras has been appointed as the new artistic director of the Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts department in Hampton, Virginia.

With an illustrious career spanning more than 30 years in the performing arts industry, Madaras will bring a wealth of experience, creativity, leadership, and vision to the City of Hampton.

In his role as artistic director, Madaras will provide fresh artistic direction in shaping and executing the creative vision for performing, visual, and educational arts for The American Theatre, The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center, and Hampton Arts Education. Drawing upon his extensive background in Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theater, music, dance, play writing, and directing, Madaras will curate productions, cultivate artistic growth, and foster a renewed culture of innovation and collaboration within the organization and community.

In a recent interview, Madaras stated, “I am very excited to roll up my sleeves and work with community leaders and the wonderful staff members of the Hampton Arts Department to create programming that excites and engages audiences of all ages in the Hampton Roads community. … I believe the stage to be a warm and welcoming place where everyone is invited to contribute and participate.”

Prior to joining Hampton Coliseum & Hampton Arts, Madaras achieved notable success on the Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional and touring stages, as well as daytime television and the European theatre. For the last decade, he has become well-known in the entertainment industry for being creator, producer, director and star of the award-winning musical production All Hands on Deck Show! – a celebration of swing, big bands, and the music of the 1940s – which has toured the United States and been housed in Branson, Missouri. The musical homage to the days of Bob Hope was originally intended to salute the veterans of WWII, including Madaras’ grandfather Adolph Madaras, who was in command of the Aquatics Center at Naval Station Norfolk from 1943-1945.

Madaras, who has resided in Branson for the last eight years, has also recently explored the untapped world of performers with autism by creating The Wonderful World of Dylan Pratt – a musical variety show featuring performers who are on the spectrum.

Madaras holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan, along with course studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, New York’s AIA NY School for Film & Television, Los Angeles’ Professional School for the Arts, and New York’s Steps on Broadway.