Paramount theater to Explore Management with SMG

Media Contact:

Larry Wilson
434.243.4958

For Immediate Release

June 12, 2008

The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville, the charitable organization that operates the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Charlottesville, has entered into an interim consulting agreement with SMG, a facilities management company, to evaluate the operation of the theater in the context of a possible management contract.

Under such an arrangement, The Paramount Theater organization would pursue its mission to present a broad range of educational and high-quality performing arts events in the theater, support the use of the theater by other nonprofit groups and ensure that such events are accessible to diverse audiences across the region. SMG for its part would manage the building and the administration of the theater's operations.

SMG was responsible for the opening and current management of University of Virginia's John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. Under SMG's management, JPJ Arena was awarded Pollstar's Best New Concert Venue in 2006. SMG was founded in 1977 and is the world leader in facility management, marketing and development, with over 200 venues worldwide.

Gary Taylor, chair of The Paramount Theater's board, commented, "We are committed to stewardship and management of this beautiful historic landmark theater in accordance with best practices for comparable venues. We believe that SMG has the expertise to strengthen The Paramount Theater's day-to-day operations, while our organization can then focus on The Paramount's charitable mission to bring top-level educational and performing arts opportunities to our community and the Central Virginia region, and to promote accessibility for local organizations and diverse audiences. We are excited about expanding The Paramount Theater’s opportunities for outreach and service."