By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Hillsborough Theatre artistic director B.J. Solomon is leaving his parttime job here for fulltime employment.
He said in an email Tuesday, “I have received several offers which make staying in Hillsborough financially impossible. I told the students last night and the administration this morning.”
Carol Kravette, a parent involved in the supporting theater organization, said it was an “emotional” and “tough” night for the students and parents.
“Our belief is that his successor will continue to keep the same level of quality that the students and community have grown to expect,” she said in an email.
She said Mr. Solomon was not specific about his future employment, other than there are opportunities for him to consider.
Hillsborough High School Theatre’s year ended by performing the three- and one-half-minute opening prologue, “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats,” from the spring musical, “Cats,” in costume at the Rising Star Awards competition, a Tony Awards-like night on June 2 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.
Cats won seven nominations. In addition to the “best musical” category, the show gained nominations for the work of the chorus of 25 actors, each of whom had a specific character, song and role in the show.
Senior Kevin Bizzocco, playing Rum Tum Tigger, was nominated for best actor in a supporting role.
Mr. Solomon was nominated for achievement by a teacher or outside director, for hair and makeup, choreography and staging, and scenery.
In a statement, the school administration said, “Hillsborough Township Public Schools thanks Bernard Solomon for his seven years of service to the students of our district. He has done much to advance our theatre arts productions and we appreciate his dedication to both the students and his craft. We wish him the best in his future endeavors and will begin a search for his replacement in the coming weeks.”
In the last months before approving a 2015-16 budget in late April, the Board of Education heard supporters of Mr. Solomon ask that he be considered for a fulltime staff job. The board was given a petition with more than 430 signatories asking to create a position of an artistic director of high school theater.
Supporters of Mr. Solomon told the board about the theater program’s wide acclaim and effect in encouraging young people.
The $115.9 million operating budget ($120.8 total budget) was passed without containing such a new position.
Superintendent Jorden Schiff has said the budget only includes new positions considered “must have” or necessary to fulfill the district’s strategic plan.
Mr. Solomon, who came to Hillsborough seven years ago, was paid via stipends. According to the education association contract, there are at least six stipends that pertain to the theater department, ranging from $4,462 to direct the spring musical to $1,268 for the spring play.
Mr. Solomon was set to receive his K-12 teaching certification in theater in May from Kean University.
