NewArts Leadership
Michael Baroody, MD
Founder and President
Michael Baroody, MD is a plastic surgeon who lives in Newtown, CT, with his wife and two young daughters. "The Foundation's vision was born from a need to not only heal, but to enrich and strengthen the lives of those effected by the events of 12/14. We instill life skills through an innovative combination of character development and high level performing arts projects. We will provide our children, our community and people throughout the world with powerful tools upon which to build successful lives."
Richard Pilbrow
Director
Richard Pilbrow is one of the world's leading theatre consultants. He is also an internationally known author and stage lighting designer, and a theatre, film and television producer. Richard founded Theatre Projects in London in 1957. Under his leadership, the company has become the pre-eminent theatre consulting organization in the world, with over 1,200 projects in 70 countries to its credit.
"The Newtown performing arts center specifically aims to create an environment for young people to appreciate, enjoy and actively participate in all arts, including music, dance, and theatre. It is among the most important undertakings any of us will know during our lives."
Jay S. Winuk
Director
Jay S. Winuk is the president of Winuk Communications, Inc., the PR agency he founded in 1994. Previously he was the PR director for Radio City Entertainment, and an executive at Burson-Marsteller and Golin/Harris, both top tier PR firms. He also served as a managing director of the branding firm Dirty Water Integrated. His clients have included leading brands such as the NFL Alumni Association, The Coca-Cola Company, General Foods, Pfizer, Citibank, Clear Channel Entertainment and many others. Jay is co-founder and a board director of MyGoodDeed, the nonprofit organization that successfully advocated to establish 9/11 as a “National Day of Service and Remembrance,” now the largest annual day of charitable engagement in U.S. history. He is a leading national voice on volunteerism and charitable service. His work and commentary have been included in major news media reports throughout the world. Jay is the recipient of the “Daily Point of Light Award” from former President George H.W. Bush and the Points of Light Institute; the “President’s Call to Service Award” from The White House; Silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of America; and many other awards. He earned an M.S. in public relations from Boston University and a B.A. in communications from SUNY Oneonta.
Michael Unger
Producing Artistic Director
Michael Unger recently conceived and directed the world premiere of A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream, adapted and directed The 101 Dalmatians Musical and directed The Lion King, Jr., Liberty Smith and Seussical the Musical for NewArts. He is currently the Associate Artistic Director of The York Theatre in New York City. He also directed the concert From Broadway With Love (recently on PBS). All of the above have been remarkable examples of healing through the arts in action. Other directing credits include his highly acclaimed A Christmas Carol (McCarter Theatre – 1998-2015), Two Point Oh (Off-Broadway – NY Times Critics Pick – 59 E 59th), The Happy Time, The Rink, My Sister in this House (Deaf West – Ovation Recommended), Grease (Paramount Theatre), Crimes of the Heart (Theatre Aspen) and Pippin (Depot Theatre). World premieres include: Caligula, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Retribution (Off-Broadway). Opera directing credits include Susannah (soon to be released on DVD), Of Mice and Men, The Duchess of Chicago (in Russia), A View From the Bridge, The Consul, HMS Pinafore, The Crucible and Die Fledermaus. Upcoming credits include an Off-Broadway revival of You're A Good Man Charlie Brown at the York Theatre, School of Rock, The Wizard of Oz and A Christmas Carol for NewArts and the development of several new musicals. He is married to actress, Janet Metz. Favorite production: twins, Phoebe and Nathaniel. /a>