Paulette Miller
“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.”
—Stephen Chbosky
Hello Friends,
Yes, indeed there are changes at the School of Theater, as well as at Friends of Theater (FOT).
The biggest change is the departure of our much loved Director of the School of Theater, Ken Elston, and his equally loved wife Molly, the School of Theater’s Production Manager. They have moved to North Carolina, where Ken will serve as Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and Director of Performing Arts at High Point University. We will miss their leadership and friendship and wish them the best in this new and exciting step.
While the College of Visual and Performing Arts conducts a nationwide search for a new director, Kevin Murray has graciously agreed to serve as Interim Director. Kevin is certainly no stranger to Mason Theater. He has been the Program Manager for the School of Theater for several years and has handled the school’s day-to-day responsibilities. When anyone has questions, he has answers. For the next year, Kevin will wear two hats. The Friends of Theater will do our best to help in any way we can. We truly appreciate how hard he is working to maintain the high quality of the theater program.
As I wrote about in my letter last spring, several devoted Board members have moved on to new adventures, although they will remain part of our FOT family. We hope that some of you might be willing to fill their roles. I know from conversations with many of our Friends that you appreciate and enjoy Mason Players productions. Some of you have indicated that you would like to become more involved with School of Theater, but are reluctant to commit to being a Friends Board member. Consider becoming a Board Associate! No meetings required, pick and choose a project (like a reception for a visiting artist or making chili for tech rehearsals), and in the process get to know the students, faculty and other Friends of Theater a little better. If this sounds like something you would like to try, drop us a note and someone will get right back to you.
We have an exciting year ahead of us, starting with the Mason Originals in September (see Kevin Murray’s article) and then a world premier re-launch of the Steven Schwartz (Wicked) musical Rags. George Mason Theater is definitely on the map and we are all so lucky to be part of it!
See you at the Theater,
Paulette Miller