Cranford Man Named VP of Programming for State Theatre

Cranford resident Brian O'Boyle has a new set of responsibilities at New Jersey arts venue the State Theatre. As of July 1, he's been promoted to the position of vice president of programming, said President and CEO Mark W. Jones.

In his new job with the New Brunswick-based theater, O’Boyle will be responsible for expanding the art center's programming vision.

“Since joining the team as director of programming two years ago, Brian has proven to be a strong leader who has helped propel our growth," Jones said. "I’m confident he will provide even more depth to the senior management team in his expanded role.”

Boyle has been on the State Theatre's staff since August 2011.

“As a lifelong resident of New Jersey, I’ve always admired the diverse mix of programming offered at the State Theatre,” said O’Boyle. “I am thrilled to be working with the State Theatre’s incredible staff and board of directors. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with seasoned veteran Mark Jones on programming for this wonderful venue.

“I am also very proud of the fact that in the short time I have been at the State Theatre, our audience has grown 9 percent and Pollstar Magazine has ranked the State Theatre the #21 theatre worldwide based on attendance. We are thankful to our patrons and look forward to expanding our programming as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the State Theatre.”

O’Boyle began his career at Radio City Music Hall in New York City where, for nearly a decade, he was oversaw the venue’s multi-million dollar annual advertising budget and helped forge the expansion of Radio City and Madison Square Garden’s brands, including the presentation of the traveling company of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. 

After his tenure at Radio City and Madison Square Garden, O’Boyle joined forces with famed concert promoter John Scher at Metropolitan Talent, where he produced local and national campaigns for touring properties, family attractions, Tony Award-winning Broadway runs, and concerts. He was also the owner and manager of the concert and event promotion company Backline Concerts, overseeing all aspects of event presentation for concerts, festivals, and private events.