New executive director hired at Moxie Cinema

The Moxie Cinema in downtown Springfield has appointed a new executive director to succeed its 14-year leader.

Joe Dull starts today in the top leadership role at the nonprofit art house theater, 305 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. 101, according to a news release. The Moxie has been in operation since 2005.

Dull, a filmmaker, educator and social media director, takes over for Mike Stevens, the Moxie's leader since 2010. Stevens announced his plans to step down earlier this year.

“We had a very strong pool of candidates, but Joe really stood out,” said Stephanie Stenger, president of the Moxie Cinema Board of Directors, in the release. “We were looking for an energetic, adaptable movie lover to take the Moxie into the future, and we are thrilled that Joe fits that description perfectly.”

Dull has owned and operated Daringly Dull Productions, which offers video services for nonprofits and small businesses, since 2020, and he previously served as director of media for The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts in Corona, California, according to his website. Among his teaching work, Dull was an associate professor at the University of Central Arkansas for 10 years, and he's been the writer and director of feature films such as "Sympathy Pains" and "Table at Luigi’s."

“Simply put, I love movies. Much of my life I’ve made movies, watched movies and helped others to learn about them,” Dull said in the release. “Getting the chance to lead the Moxie is a dream.”

The Moxie additionally announced in the release the promotion of Shay Rainey, an employee since 2013, to the newly created role of theater manager.