TAMPA - Continuing efforts to proactively strengthen the organization, The Salerno Theatre Co., “Tampa Bay’s Musical Theatre Company,” has made two significant additions to its Artistic Team.

Formally announced today, Tampa Bay favorite, Derek Baxter, has been named as Resident Director, while regular Salerno associate, Elizabeth C. Hooper, has been promoted to Associate Artistic Director.

An accomplished actor, director and choreographer, Baxter has worked professionally in Tampa Bay with Salerno, American Stage, StageWorks, and Hat Trick Theatre.  Most recently, he directed and choreographed both Salerno’s acclaimed production of NUNSENSE and American Concert Company’s (Salerno’s sister company) SWEET DREAMS: FRANK, BOBBY & DEAN respectively.

Hooper has been a staple at Salerno since 2006 where she has worked as an actor, director, stage manager, and most recently, Assistant to the Artistic Director.

“The addition of Derek and the promotion of Liz in the Salerno family are, I believe, key components to our continued success,” says Mike Mathews, Salerno’s producing artistic director.

“Salerno is a musical theatre company that is constantly trying to be proactive in growth and offerings for both our audiences and our performers.  It is in this company’s nature to try new things, step out of the box and find additional ways to positively touch people’s lives.  In accepting their new positions, Derek and Liz not only immediately make Salerno better in every area, but also allows us to seek new growth without neglecting our current projects.”

Baxter is scheduled to direct Salerno’s productions of GODSPELL, SWEET DREAMS encore and CHICAGO during the 2008/09 Broadway Season.  Mathews will direct YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN.