Mike Mazur[/caption]

North Texas Performing Arts will hold a special welcome reception from 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Courtyard Theater, 1509 H Ave., for the Plano Children's Theatre's new managing director, Michael Mazur.

Mazur will assume the day-to-day management functions of the PCT and brings 20 years of experience in youth education in the performing arts. He will be moving to Plano from Cleveland, Ohio to assume his role.

"Our objective in bringing on board this level of talent is to take our programs to a whole new level," Darrell Rodenbaugh, president of the NTPA board of directors, said in a news release. "We are building on a great legacy to ensure we have a very real and positive impact on our student's personal character development and educational experience."

The Plano Children's Theatre collectively rebranded itself with its Frisco and McKinney youth theaters in July, allowing each theater to strengthen more independently with the help of individual managing directors, said Sara Akers, NTPA founder and executive director.

"We are excited about the energy, experience and excitement that Michael brings to our PCT team," she said in the release. "I am proud that as we celebrate our 25th year in Plano, we are laying the foundation for a new level of performing arts education and family entertainment to grow for the next 25 years."

Mazur will also be starring in the PCT's production of "Scrooge: the Musical," which runs Dec. 17-20 at the Courtyard Theater.

"I am excited to join the very active local arts community so we can continue to make Plano an 'arts destination' city," Mazur said in the release. "Teaching children character and life skills for success on and off the stage is my life's work, and I can think of no better place to do this."