Color B&W 
Color B&W BLACKWOOD, NJ. December 19, 2025 — Mainstage Center for the Arts, a cornerstone of South Jersey’s performing arts community for more than three decades, today announced that Steven Calakos will join the organization as its new Managing Director. He brings more than fifteen years of experience creating meaningful programs for young performers, as well as national recognition through back-to-back Tony Award® Honorable Mentions for Excellence in Theatre Education in 2022 and 2023.
Steven’s arrival comes at an important time for Mainstage. His experience building forward-thinking education programs and strengthening community connections supports the work Mainstage has been doing to refresh and enhance its offerings for today’s families. In recent years, the organization has carefully reshaped many of its programs to better serve young performers while preserving the heart and traditions that make Mainstage special.
These efforts have brought renewed energy and growth across the organization. With this momentum and a strong foundation already in place, Mainstage is ready for its next chapter. Steven will play an important role in guiding that continued growth and deepening Mainstage’s impact within the community.
“Returning to South Jersey, where I first fell in love with theater and began my career, is incredibly meaningful to me,” says Calakos. “I’m thrilled to join Mainstage and work alongside this talented team to build on the strong foundation already in place. Mainstage has played such an important role in shaping this community, and it’s an honor to help guide its next chapter. Together, we’ll continue strengthening programs, supporting our students, and helping Mainstage grow as a home for creativity, connection, and opportunity for today’s families.”
Steven will partner closely with Artistic Director Erica Scanlon Harr, who leads Mainstage’s artistic vision and ensures that each program stays true to the values and traditions that have defined the organization.
“I was fortunate enough to work with Steven before his move to Florida and am thrilled to welcome him back to the area in this incredible capacity.” said Harr. “His enthusiasm and vision has always been evident and I’ve been inspired watching his career as a leader in the arts flourish. I’m excited to see all of the incredible things he will accomplish at Mainstage and we are so happy to welcome him to the Mainstage family.”
ABOUT STEVEN CALAKOS
Steven Calakos is an award-winning arts educator and administrator with more than fifteen years of experience expanding access to arts education. Most recently, he served as Director of Education at Gulfshore Playhouse of Naples, Florida, one of the nation’s fastest-growing regional theaters, where he oversaw program growth, strengthened community partnerships, and helped drive record enrollment.
A South Jersey native, Steven believes deeply in the power of theater for young performers. He founded CHS Theatrical and launched the South Jersey Student Theatre Festival to expand opportunities for the community.
ABOUT MAINSTAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Founded in 1989, Mainstage Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the South Jersey community through high-quality arts education and performances. What began as a summer camp has grown into a vibrant year-round arts institution serving hundreds of families annually through studio classes, theatrical productions, show choirs, and community events including the annual Blackwood Pumpkin Festival. Learn more at www.mainstage.org