(MILLBURN, NJ) -- Mark S. Hoebee (Producing Artistic Director) and Michael Stotts (Executive Director) are proud to announce that, following a national search, Paul Brewster McGinley has joined Paper Mill Playhouse as the theater's new Director of Education. Educational programming represents the heart of Paper Mill's nonprofit mission, serving nearly 40,000 students yearly through transformative programs.
The organization maintains a deep commitment to accessibility, ensuring theater opportunities reach children regardless of economic, physical, or cognitive challenges. Signature initiatives include the Adopt-A-School Project, the Theater School, Theater for Everyone programs, the Rising Star Awards, and the Summer Conservatory.
McGinley brings a deep well of experience in arts education and non-profit management to Paper Mill Playhouse’s expansive education programs. Most recently Paul has been an Associate at Theatre Projects, consulting arts & culture clients nationwide on organizational strategy, facility planning, and venue operations. He currently serves on the Board of Theatre for Young Audiences, USA.
For ten years Paul served thousands of NYC students, educators, and teaching artists in the Education Department at Roundabout Theatre Company, concluding his tenure in the role of Director of Teaching and Learning. He was an early member of the leadership team of Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, a professional theatre company producing works for children, where he served as Managing Director and subsequently a board member. Other past roles include Youth Theatre Director at Ogunquit Playhouse; teaching artist with Disney Theatrical Group; producer for Lincoln Center Education; and adjunct professor in the Graduate Program in Educational Theatre at City College of New York.
“I am very excited to have Paul McGinley join our leadership team at Paper Mill,” said Executive Director Michael Stotts. “His vast knowledge and experience in the world of theatre education will help us to realize the full potential of our education programs and ultimately the creation of a new facility that will become a center for musical theatre education in the State of New Jersey.”
“I am extremely proud of the education programs that have been developed at Paper Mill over the last 35 years,” said Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee. “For the past 17 years, these programs have been led by Lisa Cooney, who will remain on the staff. We look forward to Paul bringing a new perspective which will help to develop and grow these programs, creating deeper and more meaningful impact on the thousands of students we serve each year.”
McGinley’s appointment signals the next phase of growth for the department—one that builds on a celebrated foundation while advancing a long-term strategic vision to deepen impact and broaden reach.
“This role brings together everything I care deeply about—supporting young people, building meaningful programs, and working alongside visionary educators and artists,” said McGinley. “Paper Mill’s extraordinary legacy in arts education, paired with its deep commitment to access and excellence, makes this an especially exciting moment to join the team. As the next leader of Paper Mill’s Education department, I’m excited to build on its strong foundation while charting a course for long-term growth. Lisa Cooney’s remarkable tenure helped shape the heart and reputation of this department,” said McGinley. “Her continued presence ensures stability and continuity, allowing us to honor what’s been built while advancing its future vision. Together, we’ll expand our reach, deepen our impact, and develop innovative, sustainable programs that continue to connect communities through the transformative power of musical theatre.”
The search was led by Edie Demas and Ellie Masias at Tom O’Connor Consulting Group.
Paper Mill Playhouse, recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, is a nationally renowned not-for-profit theater under the direction of Mark S. Hoebee (Producing Artistic Director) and Michael Stotts (Executive Director). A beloved New Jersey arts institution since 1938, Paper Mill creates and produces groundbreaking new musicals and reimagined classics. Several productions have gone on to Broadway and launched national tours, including The Great Gatsby, Disney’s Newsies, Bandstand, Honeymoon in Vegas, A Bronx Tale, and Les Misérables (25th Anniversary production). The theater is also the home to an award-winning center for musical theater education and artist training, with outreach programs that impact thousands of students each year. As one of the nation’s premier musical theaters, Paper Mill fosters a creative environment to advance the art form, educate students, develop future theater lovers, nurture inclusion, and provide access for all.
Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
