(Media release from Rome Little Theatre):
Rome Little Theatre, one of the country’s longest-standing community theatres, looks toward its 2022-2023 production season and educational programs with enthusiasm. This is due in large part to the extensive work and numerous successes executive director Chris Davidson has done for the theatre over the last three-plus years. Davidson is leaving the organization poised for continued growth and flourishing programming, and the theatre has begun its search for a new executive director.
A longtime volunteer at Rome Little Theatre, Davidson stepped into the executive director role in 2019 and transformed the organization in that time through her creativity, hard work, vision and leadership. She worked closely with the Board of Directors and guided Rome Little Theatre through the ever-changing pandemic landscape.
“Serving as the Executive Director of Rome Little Theatre has been a joy and a privilege,” shares Davidson. “I’m grateful to the volunteers, patrons, and board members who have made the past three years a rewarding journey. For me, a new chapter awaits, including time with my family and projects I’ve previously been unable to accept. I love community theatre, especially RLT, with all my heart, and I wish the organization continued success.”
Under Davidson’s leadership, Rome Little Theatre’s attendance and number of season ticket holders have more than doubled, and the ranks of volunteers have expanded. Over the past few years, the organization has achieved an unprecedented level of operational and financial stability.
Amanda Swendsen, president of the Rome Little Theatre Board states, “Chris Davidson worked closely with the Board to develop a new strategic plan that really focused our energy on increasing the quality of our productions and the quality of the experiences of our patrons, actors, and volunteers.”
As a testament to Davidson’s leadership, Rome Little Theater is on track to host nearly 12,000 patrons during the 2021 – 2022 season despite the challenges of working through the pandemic. Swendsen further shares, “Under Davidson’s leadership, she has increased partnerships with the community, applied for and received numerous grants, and positioned the theatre for continued success and growth. She leaves huge shoes to fill, but I am confident we will be able to continue the momentum she has created.”
A national search for a new executive director is underway. Information is available on the Rome Little Theatre website at https://www.romelittletheatre.com/employment. With a production of The Wizard of Oz scheduled for May, until a new executive director is hired, the Board has stepped in to ensure the continued high production standards patrons have come to expect.
Founded in 1933, Rome Little Theatre is one of the oldest community theatres in the country. Rome Little Theatre will celebrate its 90thbirthday in 2023 and continues its commitment to entertaining, engaging, and educating our community through the practice and promotion of the theatre arts.