Paramount welcomes new director

Rutland Herald - Rutland, VT, USA - Bruce Bouchard has worked with a number of recognizable names as an actor and theater director over the years.

Next week, he will begin a new job at the most recognized theater in Rutland County.

The Paramount Theatre Board of Directors announced Friday that Bouchard will begin work Tuesday as the theater's executive director. He replaces former director Tim Marceau, who left the Paramount last month after a three-month stint as director.

Paramount Board of Directors President Laurie Mecier said board members sorted through 16 candidates — whom she said were all exceptionally qualified — before deciding on Bouchard.

During his 30-year career in theater, Bouchard has served as vice president of production for Red House Entertainment, Warner Brothers Studio — which is owned by actor Tim Daly — and co-founded a Los Angeles, Calif., company with a client list that includes James Gandolfini, Jimmy Fallon and Felicity Huffman, among others.

"It was his enthusiasm for the theater and the area and his experience at running and starting theaters that led us to choose him," Mecier said. "He's a ball of fire and energy."

Bouchard laughed at that description of himself but he didn't deny it.

"Building three theaters, you need a lot of energy," he said.

Perhaps more valuable than the energy he brings to the job is his contacts. Bouchard said he has a Rolodex full of talent contacts from coast to coast. One of his closest contacts will help shelter him during his first month in Rutland.