The historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville has named Jennifer Carlson its new executive director, writes Laura Smythe for The Philadelphia Business Journal. 

Carlson’s appointment comes after former director Ken Metzner left in August, leaving the Colonial Theatre without a permanent leader until now. 

With her theater degree from Temple University and decades of experience in the arts and historic preservation, Carlson was the perfect fit to end the three-month national search for Metzner’s replacement.

Carlson previously served in numerous leadership roles, such as program director at Historic Philadelphia, assistant dean at La Salle University’s School of Arts and Sciences, and executive director at Germantown’s Wyck Historic House.  

Built in 1903, the Colonial Theatre has hosted films and live theater performances and has survived through both world wars. Many people passed through its doors, wanting to enjoy and preserve its history. 

A nonprofit association for the Colonial Theatre purchased it from the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation in 1996, hoping to revamp and open its doors to the community again. 

Carlson intends to continue this mission of involving Phoenixville’s residents and expanding the theater’s audience to “ensure its future as a premier multi-arts center.”

Read more about Jennifer Carlson in The Philadelphia Business Journal.