Chancellor removes 'interim' from Lied Center exec Stephan's title

Bill Stephan, interim executive director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has agreed to become the center's permanent director effective July 1, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman has announced.

Stephan has served as interim executive director since July 10 and has shown "tremendous leadership, vision and management skills," Perlman said. Stephan joined the Lied Center staff in February 2009 as associate executive director. He had been the director of the Nampa Civic Center in Idaho for 10 years.

In past year, the Lied Center has experience higher ticket sales and consistent rave reviews of its programs. The performances of 2008 Tony Award-winning South Pacific in February had attendance of 7,463 patrons, the largest number of ticket buyers for a Broadway show since 2005. Overall, ticket sales are up more than 10 percent over last season.

Stephan's appointment is subject to approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as the executive director of the Lied Center," Stephan said. "Nebraska's 'Home for the Arts' is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States with a first-class venue showcasing the finest artists in the world. Our organization's success is based on a great staff, wonderful volunteers and tremendous support from the Friends of Lied, the Lied Trust, Nebraska businesses and the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska Foundation. I am really looking forward to bringing more stellar artists to the Lied, reaching out to all corners of the state and inspiring our wonderful young people through the performing arts."

Stephan has a solid arts and facility management background with a track record of meeting financial objectives, expanding cultural programs and providing strong leadership. He is also an accomplished singer and performer. Stephan is a graduate of Boise State University with degrees in business and music. Prior to his 10 years with the Nampa Civic Center, Stephan was the managing director at Idaho Dance Theatre for three years and served as the marketing, sales and development assistant at the Boise Philharmonic.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts celebrated a milestone this season, noting its 20th performance year. Season standouts have included Wynton Marsalis, "South Pacific," Yo-Yo Ma, "Avenue Q" and Gaelic Storm. Many of the Lied's 20th Anniversary Season performances have sold out this season including next month's "Wizard of Oz" (April 10-11), which recently added an additional performance to accommodate high ticket demand.

"Beyond this year of great performances, we are celebrating all of the founders of the Lied Center including Christina Hixson and the Ernst Lied Trust. Without the vision and support of so many people and organizations, the Lied Center would not exist," Stephan said.

Lied Center programming is supported by Friends of Lied and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts; Mid-America Arts Alliance; Nebraska Arts Council; and Lincoln Arts Council. All events in the Lied Center are made possible in part by the Lied Performance Fund, which has been established in memory of Ernst F. Lied and his parents, Ernst M. and Ida K. Lied.