Keith Villyard Promoted to Director of Marketing, Sales, and Development

AMARILLO ~ Lone Star Ballet announces today that Keith Villyard, Director of Sales since 2007, has been promoted from within the organization to the position of Director of Marketing, Sales, and Development. 

Keith has played a key role at Lone Star Ballet since 2005, a pivotal year that began a significant period of growth and success unmatched in the company’s thirty-five year history.  Since 2005 Lone Star Ballet accomplishments include facility development and expansion of a new campus at its Amarillo headquarters, inaugural status as a resident company of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, the production of The New Nutcracker, expansion of Lone Star Dance Academy to six locations throughout the Texas Panhandle and five fold growth in enrollment.

Craig Henderson, Executive Director announces, “We are very pleased to make this promotion from within.”  Sighting the importance of the company’s long term success, Henderson states, “Keith’s professionalism, performance, and demeanor in sales have been influential in achieving our excellent record of customer relations and growth.”  Henderson adds, “Keith is known for his ability to overcome problems during challenging times.”  Click Here for {{more}}

 A transplant from Longview, Texas, to the Texas Panhandle in 1991, Keith arrived to perform in the musical drama TEXAS, under the direction of Neil Hess.   He has been active in the arts here ever since.  “I love the plains and its people.  I love the arts here and the sky.   I had never seen the sky before West Texas,” says Villyard.  Keith remained here to attend West Texas A&M University attaining a Theatre Degree and a Teaching Certificate.

A member-volunteer at First Baptist Church Amarillo, Villyard directs drama under the leadership of Dan Baker, Minister of Music.  Dan Baker notes, “Keith’s dedication to the arts in our church and in this community surpasses any I have ever seen.  As I begin any project, I consider his input and opinion.  Lending direction, clarity, and passion to everything he does, Keith is a valuable asset and a great friend to First Baptist.”

Villyard began his duties January 3, 2011, and stands ready to assist the area media to report the news and events of Lone Star Ballet, whose mission is to produce and promote the art of dance; and contribute to the education, culture and entertainment of the people of the Texas Panhandle.