Photo by Tim Rummelhoff.
Ben Johnson (above), who has headed the Northrop Auditorium concert and lecture series at the University of Minnesota since Aug. 2008, is leaving his position at year's end, the university announced Friday.
Johnson will move to Los Angeles to become program director for the United States Artists Foundation, which annually gives out 50 $50,000 grants to artists. Johnson's departure comes at a time when Northrop director Christine Tschida "is looking at staffing needs in the new building," said media contact Cari Hatcher.
No decision has been made about replacing Johnson.
Northrop is undergoing a $90 million renovation that will convert its 5,000 seat auditorium into two theaters – one with 2750 seats and another with 170. The revitalization aims to improve acoustics, traffic flow and amenities, including bathrooms. The remodeled Northrop is scheduled to have its first performance in April 2014.
