We’re excited to announce the appointment of David O’Neill as our new Development Director!
David’s journey with TGS began in 1997, when he first visited the Palace Theatre—where he met his wife—and has since included performing on stage, designing sets, and serving as Board President. Beyond TGS, David’s career has spanned advertising, illustration, and large-scale event design from Times Square to New York Comic Con.
In the interview below, David shares his story, favorite memories, and what excites him most about this next chapter with TGS.
Welcome Dave! Can you share a bit about your background?
I went to school at William Paterson University here in NJ because at the time, they had a great 3D animation program, and I knew I wanted to do something with storytelling and cartoons. While there, I added graphic design and illustration to my major as a backup. I’m glad I did, because design has been my main job since graduating, and I still draw for my children’s book series. I started in advertising with some truly great mentors; the owners were old school ad guys in NYC back in the day, and my first art director taught me SO much.
From there, I was introduced to experiential marketing, and for the first time, I saw my work displayed in larger-than-life venues and activations. For example, the agency I was with launched the 2012 London Olympic Games with a takeover of Times Square, so I was responsible for the event layout. Once you see your work on a dozen Times Square screens, you kind of want more. So for a little over a decade, I designed NYC Comic Con events like a recreation of an NYC sewer system for Nickelodeon’s Ninja Turtle series, Hotwheels/Starwars Uber rides, a Magic Schoolbus event that recreated the bus itself, and a Family Guy movie screening under the stars that featured something like 10-12 Stewie statues dropped all over the city, each painted uniquely. I know these sound bizarre, so images can be found on my portfolio site: davidoneillart.myportfolio.com/event-design
You’re no stranger to TGS, having performed in numerous productions. In fact, your first visit to the theatre—coming to see a friend in a show—turned out to be especially memorable, since it’s where you first met your wife. Can you tell us more about that?
Yes! I met my wife here at the Palace in 1997, after a show she was in—The Masque of Beauty and the Beast. A few years later, we ended up in The Wizard of Oz together; she was Dorothy, and I was the Tinman. (To this day, it’s the only show we’ve done together.) Every show I’ve done here holds a special place in my heart, of course. I’ll never forget Steve addressing the audience before a production of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, right after 9/11, assuring the audience it was ok to laugh and enjoy—it was such a sense of comfort and community.
Before joining our staff, you served on our Board of Trustees and helped really elevate the TGS brand with your graphic design skills. What were those experiences like?
Storytelling is everything. For an organization as dynamic as TGS, with this many offerings, programs, outreach, and productions, a cohesive brand is important. I hope that when a patron sees anything from us, it’s instantly recognizable. So, the question is always “how do we tell the story?” The same applied to my time with the board. Before, during, and after my time as President, advocating for TGS naturally lent itself to telling our story. Leading the board was an honor and a welcome challenge. I can’t wait to work with them this season in a slightly different capacity.
What are some of your favorite TGS memories to date?
Over the years, I’ve been so lucky to enjoy such a wide range of moments. Seeing my first set come to life under the tutelage of Perry Kroeger, a personal hero of mine, countless moments on stage, and friends made. I know this last one may sound odd, but navigating the pandemic with the staff and digging deep to keep offering programming and education to our patrons is a source of pride. Nothing beats sharing the stage with my daughter for the first time in Ella Enchanted in 2023. There’s magic here, no doubt, and it was never more apparent than that holiday season.
What excites you most about beginning this new chapter with The Growing Stage?
I’m excited to interact with our patrons in new ways and introduce them to the story of the organization. If you have the chance to visit the balcony, you’ll see the story of TGS displayed. You’ll see historical photos of the Palace shortly after it was built in 1919, as it played host to silent movies and vaudeville acts. You’ll see the state the theatre was in when the organization purchased it in 1995—it has to be seen to be believed. Every project, every mural, every addition, fix, upgrade, and restoration is a story. That’s what I want to share with our guests when they walk in the door—there is history here, and when they come in, whether it’s to see a show or take a class, they become part of that timeline.
What do you hope to gain from this new experience?
It’s my goal to get a better understanding of the cogs and wheels that run the TGS machine. It’s no secret that the arts thrive in our state, but not without a lot of help from funding partners, grants, and patron support. I very much want to engage that base in new and exciting ways. I have the artistic boxes checked … set design, branding, performances … now it’s time to learn the business and share what makes TGS so unique with past, current and future guests.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I invite all of our patrons—parents, teachers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, and alumni—to reach out and chat with me about all the opportunities we have to share in the journey and become a cherished part of this organization. There are opportunities right now for you to purchase a new chair for our audience seating, volunteer opportunities (come on, I’ll show you how the popcorn is made), and even become a monthly donor. Even a small amount, less than what we pay for Prime or HBO, goes a LONG way here; when a kid experiences LIVE theatre for the first time, Netflix pales in comparison. Come see us, and I’ll tell you a story.
Thank you for chatting with us, Dave—and welcome to the staff! The next time you visit the Palace Theatre, be sure to stop by our offices and say hello to Dave. He can’t wait to meet you!
