
Nightlight Cinema’s Board of Trustees recently appointed Eugene Weaver (left) as executive director, and Brittany Dobish in the newly created role of artistic director.
The Nightlight’s Board of Trustees has appointed Eugene Weaver as executive director, and Brittany Dobish in the newly created role of artistic director, effective Aug. 11.
Weaver previously served as the nonprofit’s assistant director, and Dobish previously served as a show leader. As co-leaders, they replace Kurtiss Hare, who will be joining Seattle-based smart lighting startup Deako in the role of senior software engineer.
“I’m thankful to have joined with Akron’s movie-lovers to make great cinema happen here,” said Hare. “The Nightlight will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to watching the creative places Eugene and Brittany go with the cinema.”
Weaver joined The Nightlight in 2015 as a show leader. In June 2017, he was promoted to assistant director, taking on operational duties at the cinema. Dobish became a show leader at The Nightlight in 2016, and has worked and volunteered at the Cleveland Cinematheque box office since 2009. She is an adjunct faculty member in Film and Media Studies at Cuyahoga Community College.
“I believe the only way to truly experience this art form in all aspects is by attending
local showings at the neighborhood theater,” said Dobish. “The Nightlight is a wonderful contribution to the city of Akron and to the lives of the people who surround it, and I look forward to bringing new cinematic visions to the community.”
Added Weaver, “I’m excited to continue blazing a path for unique and artistic cinema at The Nightlight, growing and improving it while looking out for the small details that add up to a big experience.”
Over 15,000 people see new independent and foreign films at The Nightlight each year, and enjoy local beverages and snacks at the concession bar. Showtimes to upcoming films can be found at nightlightcinema.com.
The Nightlight is an independent, nonprofit cinema located at 30 North High Street in downtown Akron. It opened on July 1, 2014 thanks to key grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and GAR Foundation. Parking is available at meters on High Street as well as at the parking deck next to the Akron-Summit County Library. The meters are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all all day on weekends. The deck is free after 6 p.m. on Fridays and all day on weekends, and is $2 after 6:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Showtimes and tickets can be found at www.nightlightcinema.com.