(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Scott Zeiger has been promoted to to serve as chief creative officer of Clear Channel Entertainment and chairman/CEO of Clear Channel Entertainment Productions, a newly formed division of Clear Channel Entertainment. In his role Zeiger will oversee Clear Channel Entertainment Productions, a live entertainment studio, which will focus on the development of content, intellectual properties, new entertainment events and fixed based attractions.
“Scott’s many years of experience in theatrical producing and management made him the ideal candidate” commented Miles Wilkin, Clear Channel Entertainment chief operating officer. “After years as CEO of our theatrical division, Scott has a proven track record of accomplishments and successes. He has a very discerning eye for new and innovative product, and a great feel for what consumers want to see.”
Among the productions that Clear Channel Entertainment Productions will develop is the spectacular new version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s worldwide musical phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera. The production is slated to open in late spring 2006 as a permanent installation at The Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Clear Channel Entertainment Productions will develop, program and operate new theatres and showrooms at the new Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (formerly the Aladdin). The division will also oversee acquisition of new intellectual properties including the development and execution of ancillary activities such as film, television and DVD rights.
Zeiger and his team will continue to build and maintain key relationships and develop shows with current partner Cirque du Soleil. In January, Clear Channel Entertainment and Cirque du Soleil will launch the first ever arena concert version of Cirque throughout the United States and around the world. These relationships also include Blue Man Group (a permanent production is opening next month at Toronto’s new Panasonic Theatre), as well as Broadway productions, including Martin Short’s new Broadway show opening in the fall. Clear Channel Entertainment Productions will continue to grow and manage its family entertainment interests (which include a key partnership with Viacom’s Nickelodeon), develop its comedy business and coordinate the company’s global creative activities.
Under Zeiger’s direction CCE Theatrical has produced over 50 critically-acclaimed Broadway shows. Among the shows that CCE currently represents on Broadway are Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, Spamalot, The Producers, Hairspray, Chicago and Movin’ Out, as well as many touring productions.
Zeiger is a 22 year theatrical veteran having joined Houston, TX based PACE Theatrical Group in 1983 (PACE was acquired by SFX in 1998 and ultimately merged with Clear Channel Communications in 2000). In addition to producing activity as CEO of Clear Channel Entertainment – Theatrical, Zeiger also oversaw the 20 CCE owned and operated theatres and the largest nationwide Broadway subscription series.
Zeiger and his executive staff, which will be announced at a later date, will be located in the Clear Channel Entertainment offices in New York City. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
