Jeffrey Martin hands the BRAVO! reins over to Bridget Benton
After 10 years, BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Producer Jeffrey Martin will hand over the highly successful BRAVO! series to BYU Arts Production Manager Bridget Benton.
Martin announced earlier this fall that he has been appointed as director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Performing Arts Center. Martin has spent the last decade at BYU producing the BRAVO! series. The series flourished as Martin expanded the breadth of national and international artists invited to perform at BYU. Martin also founded the successful OFF THE MAP International Theatre Festival that has garnered great acclaim. “It has been an absolute pleasure working at BYU for the last ten years,” Martin said. “It’s been my honor to oversee this historic and important series. I’ve enjoyed expanding the scope and reach of the professional performing art series and bringing world-class performances from across the world to the students of BYU and to the members of the community. “My successes are not mine alone; I share them with the many friends, colleagues, administrators and patrons who have helped make them possible. I will always look back at my time at BYU, both as a student and as an employee, with great affection and satisfaction.” Benton has worked as a Production Manager for BYU Arts Production for the past five years. She has specific
ally overseen the production needs of BYU’s School of Music and BRAVO! series. Benton received a Bachelor of Arts from Hanover College in Indiana and a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Management from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Benton is a skilled administrator, a creative artist and a close friend,” Martin said. “I’m so pleased to see her take the reins of BYU’s professional concert series. I’m sure her own unique style and sensibilities will enrich the lives of all who attend performances at BYU in the coming years.” The role of the College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC) Assistant Dean — Producer/Presenter oversees the BRAVO! Series but also strives to fulfill the college’s mission relating to live performances. One of the main focuses of the program is to provide educational opportunities for CFAC students to interact with and meet professional performers. Associate Dean Amy Jensen said, “Under Jeff Martin’s stewardship the BRAVO! series provided opportunities for BYU students to learn from some of the great talents in our world. He curated and produced exceptional events that enriched our community. I believe that Bridget Benton has the insight and skill to continue a legacy that places student learning at the forefront of BYU’s premiere professional series.” “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity,” Benton said. “The BRAVO! series provides such a unique opportunity to present BYU students, faculty and the community with performances that are inspiring and energizing. The series has been so strong thanks to the efforts of Jeff Martin and I hope to keep that momentum going.”