ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.: freeFall Theatre Company has named Craig Badinger their new executive director. Badinger joined freeFall in February and is currently overseeing plans for the theatre’s announcement of their 2023-24 season.
“We are thrilled to welcome Craig as our new executive director,” Robert O’Brion, the president of freeFall’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “He will bring experience, enthusiasm, great communication skills, and a fresh perspective to our organization.”
Badinger has over a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising and a passion for community-based arts programs. He has served in various positions with the Miami City Ballet, the Martha Graham Dance Company, the Hermitage Artist Retreat, and the Punta Gorda Symphony. In the past year, Badinger has worked with the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg and the Florida Orchestra.
“freeFall embodies the character and personality that we admire so much about St. Petersburg,” Badinger said in a statement. “The offerings at nonprofits like freeFall are a big part of the reason people want to live here. I look forward to enabling [founding artistic director] Eric Davis’s creative process and innovation.”
Badinger succeeds former freeFall executive director Cheryl Forchilli, who served in the role for several years.
Founded in 2008, freeFall Theatre Company presents a range of classical and new works in West St. Petersburg. In addition to a season of full productions, freeFall also presents an award-winning series of cabarets, concerts, and other special programming. As of 2022, the theatre had a budget of approximately $1.3 million.
