Eyewitness to the transformation of a community with a not-for-profit theatre company.

In 2006, I moved to Winter Garden, Florida, and joined the Board of Directors for The Garden Theatre. The theatre was in the process at that time of refurbishing the historic movie house. We raised over $4 Million and opened a performing arts venue in 2008 during an economic recession. Flash forward 15 years, and I am currently acting President of the Board of Directors, and we have begun our 13th season safely during a pandemic. It has been a remarkable story of how a small theatre can help transform a community.  Our little theatre brings nearly $4 Million of economic impact to the small downtown area in Central Florida. We are one of the leading performing arts venues in the state.

As I look back on our journey with The Garden, it was leadership and a vision for the community that propelled us to pursue opening a theatre company. And it was NOT easy! In the early days, we did not know if we were able to make payroll. We were fortunate to have a passionate community leader, Becky Roper, to guide us through some tumultuous times and a strong Executive Director, Alauna Friskis, to connect the dots. Our Grand Opening on February 29, 2008, was a dream come true. We are now one of the leading arts organizations in Central Florida with a strong mission and a staff of 18. This team's work to deliver incredible productions and transform the community right in front of our eyes is awe-inspiring.