Madison arts center scrambling to reschedule events after director resigns

The show must go on. But which show is the question for the Madison Community Arts Center, which is scrambling to regroup after its director quit on Monday.

“We’re in a transitional period. I’m trying to do the best I can with what events are staying or going,” said Caroline Romanelli, promoted by the Borough of Madison to full-time director of arts and events in the wake of John Pietrowski’s resignation.

Morristown Green has reached out Tuesday to Pietrowski and the Borough administrator for comment. Pietrowski was the second director in the center’s history, programming concerts, films, and community events for the last three years at the 100-seat space leased by the Borough at 10 Kings Road.

Romanelli, who had assisted Pietrowski on a part-time basis, said “internal conflicts” led to his departure. Pietrowski and Borough officials had clashed over administrative details, according to people in the local arts community.

So far, at least one event has been canceled: Carolyn Dorfman Dance on Feb. 23, 2025.

Center events have been posted on the website of the nonprofit Madison Arts & Culture Alliance (MACA).  As of Tuesday, that site is down and visitors are being redirected to RoseNet.org, the Borough’s site.

Pietrowski, who was a Borough employee, stepped down from the MACA board earlier this year to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, said MACA President Jerry Vezza.

MACA helped run the Arts Center early on, but when the Borough hired Pietrowski, the organization’s role diminished, Vezza said.

“So at this point, Macca is completely disengaged from the Arts Center, other than as an advisory organization” offering suggestions, Vezza said.

Promoter Don Jay Smith, who has booked many events at the Arts Center, including the now-canceled Carolyn Dorfman Dance performance, said ticket purchases for that show will be refunded. The popular dance company has a busy schedule coming up, and it’s not clear whether the Madison performance will be rescheduled, he said.

Smith said Pietrowski had a very hands-on style, running many events by himself, right down to arranging and breaking down folding chairs and borrowing portable bleachers as needed from Madison High School.

“He did a lot for the Arts Center, that’s for sure,” Smith said. The promoter said he anticipates a greater emphasis on volunteers on Romanelli’s watch. She owns a company that books bands for events.

Pietrowski has served as artistic director for the Madison-based Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey. The Madison Community Arts Center’s initial director, Eric Hafen, previously managed theatrical productions at the Morris Museum’s Bickford Theater.