Benny Sato Ambush, former artistic producing director of the now-defunct TheatreVirginia, has been named Distinguished Producing Director in Residence at Emerson College's Department of Performing Arts in Boston.

Starting Sept. 1, Ambush will oversee events of Emerson Stage, the producing/presenting arm of Emerson College, and will direct, teach, mentor and participate in the evolving mission and programs of the school.

Since leaving Richmond, Ambush has been a freelance director in various states.

"I've also been conducting site visits at theaters nationally for the National Endowment for the Arts from Maine to Alaska," Ambush said from his current home in North Carolina.

He also has taught acting at the University of North Carolina, directed the 2005 production of "The Lost Colony" at Roanoke Island, N.C., taught a number of workshops throughout the U.S. and in Europe, and adjudicated theater productions on U.S. Army, Air Force and NATO military bases.

This will be a homecoming for Ambush, who was born in Brookline, Mass., and raised in Worcester, Mass.

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"There Goes the Bride" by Ray Cooney opens at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, 17401 Jefferson Davis Highway, with previews Thursday and Friday. Opening night is Saturday.

Cast includes Richard Koch, Vicki McLeod, Audra Honaker, John Hagadorn, Jolene Carroll and Christine Schneider. The production is directed by Tom Width.

Tickets for the theater alone are $31.50 to $34.50. Buffet is an extra $10. For information and reservations, call (804) 748-5203.

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Swift Creek Mill Theatre is seeking volunteers to serve as ushers and greeters and in production support, development and marketing.

Applications are available at the theater's Web site, www.swiftcreekmill.com. For details, call (804) 748-5203.

Continuing

"Guys and Dolls," presented by Barksdale Theatre, at Empire Theatre, 114 W. Broad St., through Aug. 17. Info and tickets: (804) 282-2620 or visit www.barksdalerichmond.org.

"Reefer Madness: The Musical" at Firehouse Theater, 1609 W. Broad St., extended through July 5. Info and tickets:(804) 355-2001 or www.firehousetheatre.org.
Contact Walt Amacker at (804) 649-6247 or wamacker@timesdispatch.com.