Leadership changes at Playhouse

RIDGEFIELD — Ashley Paltauf, who has been with the Ridgefield Playhouse for 11 years, will become its sole executive director as her co-executive director Jared Shahid steps down after five years, according to an announcement.

Shahid will become the executive director of The Innovate, a venue in Palm Beach, Fla., expected to open in early 2025, the announcement said.

“We have been so fortunate to have both Ashley and Jared at the helm as the playhouse continues to grow,” Playhouse board President Michael Shinall said in the announcement. “While we are sad to see Jared leave, we are thrilled for him to have this opportunity to open a new venue and build it from the ground up on his own. And we are incredibly lucky to have the continued leadership of Ashley as the Playhouse moves forward and the opportunities that lie ahead for the organization.”

The Ridgefield Playhouse will honor Shahid’s tenure at its summer fundraiser June 15 that will feature a performance by The Goo Goo Dolls.

“I have loved being a steward of this venue, and this community will always be home. I’m confident in the transition plan we have in place and will ensure the venue is fully programmed through early 2025 before I head south,” Shahid said in the announcement.

During Shahid’s tenure, Ridgefield Playhouse “has seen remarkable growth and success and his passion and vision have greatly contributed to Ridgefield’s vibrant cultural community,” the announcement stated. “Whether it was helping to guide the venue during the pandemic, programming 40 percent new artists in 2023 — which led to the venue’s best year on record — or booking acts as varied as Itzhak Perlman, Amy Schumer and Anoushka Shankar, the venue reached new highs in recent years.”