JANESVILLE — The Janesville Performing Arts Center will be looking for a new executive director after its longtime leader, Nathan Burkart will be leaving to become managing director of the Woidstock Opera House.
JPAC made the announcement Friday. Burkart’s final day with JPAC will be September 13, 2026.
Burkart has led JPAC for the past decade, providing creative leadership, strong financial stewardship, and a deep commitment to the organization and the Janesville community. Under his leadership, JPAC strengthened its financial performance, expanded the number and diversity of its productions, and grew patronage threefold.
“Nathan has been an extraordinary leader for JPAC,” said the JPAC Board of Directors in a news release. “He has brought a rare combination of artistic creativity and financial stewardship to the organization, helping JPAC grow stronger year after year. While we are incredibly saddened to see him leave, we are proud of what he has accomplished and excited for this next chapter in his career.”
Burkart said the decision to leave JPAC was difficult because of his deep connection to the organization and community. “I felt it was time to explore new challenges and continue growing in my career,” Burkart said. “JPAC has given me opportunities to grow both personally and professionally that I will carry with me throughout my career.”
Burkart emphasized that JPAC’s success has always been a collective effort. “One of the things that makes JPAC so special is that it has never been the vision or work of just one person,” he said. “It is the result of the creativity, commitment, and passion of so many people.”
Although his professional role is changing, Burkart plans to remain a supporter, donor, and advocate for JPAC, Janesville, and the arts.
The JPAC Board and staff are grateful for Burkart’s decade of service and significant contributions to the organization. The Board will begin planning for the leadership transition and will share information about the search for JPAC’s next executive director as it becomes available.
Members of the public are invited to join an open house to say farewell to Nathan on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Education/Outreach Room at JPAC. Visitors are encouraged to also purchase tickets for “Petty Things, A Tribute to Tom Petty” in the Hansch Theater at JPAC that evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m.