Playhouse Team

MICHAEL "HOAGY" HOAGLAND, Executive Director. Hoagy has enjoyed an extensive career in entertainment, first touring the world as a performer in live theatre, then joining the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop in NYC where he honed his skills as a composer/lyricist. Upon moving to NYC, he became a Paralegal and Director of Operations for Danziger, Danziger, & Muro, LLC, a law firm specializing in Art, Luxury Goods, and Hospitality. While simultaneously working as a Paralegal and Composer, Hoagy formed Broadway Show Tracks, where he served as CEO and Executive Producer providing customized performance tracks and theatrical audio content for hundreds of live theatres nationwide until becoming the Director of Entertainment for the USO in New York City. As Director of Entertainment, he managed all elements of touring and production for the world renowned USO Show Troupe, a group of 48 professional entertainers performing over 300 shows around the world annually. Most recently, Hoagy served as the Senior Director of Brand Advancement & Events for USO in NYC guiding the design and production of events, marketing/communications, and brand activations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Originally from Indiana, he is now at home in Hopewell Junction, NY with his partner, also named Michael, and their 3 adult children, Nathan, Emma, and Jonas. His favorite movie is Star Wars.

DAN FRIEDMAN, Director of Development. Dan Friedman is a lifelong film fanatic who takes time off from the movies to oversee development for the Playhouse. Dan has worked with and for non-profit arts organizations of all sizes and disciplines for over 15 years and volunteers with local community theaters whenever his schedule permits. Choosing his favorite movie is similar to choosing his favorite child -- but at the top are "Sunset Boulevard", "The Man Who Would Be King", and "Duck Soup".

BIJHAN CLARKE, Director of Theater Operations. Bijhan is proud to be the Director of Operations here at Bedford Playhouse and has enjoyed almost a decade of management roles at other distinguished local theaters including The Ridgefield Playhouse and The Prospector Theater. Besides watching and discussing movies, some of his hobbies involve collecting retro videogames, fly-fishing and homebrewing beer. His favorite movie is "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi".

COURTNEY DAVIS WALKER, Director of Marketing & Communications. Courtney has worked in communications and special events for nearly two decades in NYC and Westchester County. She began her career in television at NBC Universal and is a lifelong fan of film. Courtney is thrilled to be bringing her experience and love of the arts to the Playhouse. When she’s not pitching a journalist or planning a campaign, Courtney is an avid runner, singer and TV news junkie. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. RomComs are high on her viewing list and her favorite film is, you guessed it, "When Harry Met Sally."

GERALD MASSOUD, Food & Beverage Manager Gerald Massoud has worked in the hospitality and the arts for nearly two decades. He has managed restaurants, cafes, catering, and special events in the Tri-State area. Gerald is excited to be joining the Bedford Playhouse and to bring his expertise to the dining experiences for all guests. While he is away from the Playhouse, Gerald enjoys playing music, gardening, and spending time with his wife and two kids.

ROBERT PANZERA, Development Manager. After 17 years of running his own endurance sports event management company, which specialized in developing fundraising events for nonprofits, Rob is delighted to be a part of the Development Department at the Bedford Playhouse. Rob brings energy and motivation to fundraising initiatives and he loves to connect with people from varied backgrounds, especially other film fanatics. In his spare time, Rob enjoys cycling (Bedford is a favorite for its beautiful rolling hills and country roads!) and volunteering in his community, Nyack, where he lives with his wife and two kids. Rob will watch any movie (especially thrillers) from mainstream to fringe, so choosing a favorite film is a challenge, but Le Cercle Rouge (with a great and strange performance by Yves Montand) has always been top of his list.