Excitement and change is brewing at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Effective June 5, the PCA will have a new Director of Performing Arts. According to Bob Johnson, Executive Director, ?ÄúGretchen Boulka, former Marketing and Communications Director for the National Lutheran Choir will join the Paramount replacing long-time Performing Arts lead, Laurie Johnson (no relation) who is retiring.?Äù Ms. Boulka comes with extensiive background in contracting, marketing, budgeting etc. and holds a Masters in Arts Administration from St. Mary?Äôs University of Minnesota. Previously,
Gretchen has worked for such notable arts organizations as the Minneapolis Children?Äôs Theatre Company, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Dale Warland Singers. ?ÄúWe are thrilled to have found a very qualified, competent and charming individual to take over the monumental task of programming the Paramount stage for seasons to come.?Äù
The retirement of Laurie Johnson represents a significant milestone in the growth and development of the Paramount Center for the Arts. ?ÄúFor 13 years, Laurie has worked tirelessly to discern audience preferences, book every act imaginable, and help to create, along with our entire team, one of the premier arts organizations in Minnesota, serving nearly 90,000 patrons each year. I am personally and professionally indebted to Laurie on behalf of the community for her most impactful and long lasting contribution to the arts and would like to extend to Laurie a big thank you from all of us?Äù said Bob Johnson.