Tell us about your role at Island City Stage
I started work at Island City Stage as the Managing Director January 4, 2016. The theatre had grown in its 4 years of existence and part of their strategic plan was to hire a managing director to handle the day to day operations of the theatre’s business including marketing, fundraising and financial management. That entails a lot and sometimes it means I clean up the theatre for a show but my main purpose is to see that the theatre has the financial backing to produce the shows.
Where are you from and how did you get involved in theatre?
I am from a small town in Eastern Kentucky, Pikeville, and I managed a professional theatre company located in the cities of Prestonsburg and Pikeville for 14 years. My involvement in theatre began as an actor, later joining the board at Jenny Wiley Theatre and then finally stepping into the position of Executive Director. It was a wonderful experience working there but it was time for me to accept some new challenges. I saw the Island City Stages search for a Managing Director online and responded after the interview process I was hired.
What exciting projects does Island City Stage have on the horizon?
We have opened the 2016/17 season to sold out audiences and ticket sales are exceeding even our expectations. We seem to have found our niche here in South Florida and we are elated with the community’s response. If things continue to grow as expected, a larger space may be down the road in a few years. We are also expanding our season to include musicals for the 2017/18 Season.
What has been the most rewarding part of your job so far at Island City Stage?
I’m proud that the work I do allows Andy Rogow, Artistic Director and Michael Leeds, Associate Artistic Director to focus on producing the best possible products. They no longer have to deal with the business of show business. I love our audiences and getting to meet them has been great. They always have a story to share and therefore we say that we are not just telling stories but we are telling your stories.
Tell us something that most people don’t know about Island City Stage or that they would be surprised to know.
Island City Stage’s mission of producing theatrical experiences that positively impact the LGBT and general community has led us to seek out new works from local and national playwrights. One of those shows by playwright Michael McKeever entitled “Daniel’s Husband” had its world premiere at Island City Stage and will soon open in NYC. And Island City Stage is one of the most award winning theatres in South Florida.
