Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, Hansen to Part Ways
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild announced Jan. 28 it would part ways with Director Erika Hansen.
The Geauga Lyric Theater Guild announced Jan. 28 it would part ways with Director Erika Hansen.
Justin Simons, president of the theater’s board of elections, said the decision to move on from Hansen’s leadership was a necessary step toward making GLTG run like a viable business.
A new executive director would most likely not be appointed until 2021, Simons said.
“Please be assured that productions, classes and all other aspects of the theater will be unaffected by this change,” a Jan. 28 GLTG Facebook post said.
Simons said the board would transition from an advisory body to a working board, meaning board members would take a more hands-on approach to steering the ship in the right direction.
Managing the production side of the organization is going to fall to Simons, who has a background in theater. Board member Mel May will be handling educational programming with GLTG instructors, and board member Jason White, a certified public accountant, will work on the finances.
The rest of the board will handle fundraising, Simons said, adding their goal is to evenly balance income from shows, fundraising and educational programming.
Simons said last year’s restructuring, which led to layoffs of some long-term staff, was successful and was not part of the decision to move on from Hansen’s leadership.
Part of that restructuring was a partnership with Jasmine Dragons dance school to create a multi-use community space. GLTG will be vacating the Jasmine Dragons building by the end of February due to the fact the group did not meet goals and benchmarks to make that a viable space, Simons said.
When reached by email, Jasmine Dragons owner Matt Martsolf said yoga classes and other activities offered in the space will continue.
“I’ve always been working towards that viable community space for health and movement wellness for all,” Martsolf wrote in an email. “It’s 10 plus years strong and has had such a great impact on so many! Doing all I can to keep that happening.”
Martsolf said he will be looking for a partner tenant or full time renter to thrive in a positive space built for everyone. Although recent closings on the square mean business has not been easy for tenants, Martsolf said he feels confident Jasmine Dragons will not be closing its doors after GLTG moves out, but instead announcing new and exciting community offerings.
Across Water Street, Simons said a remodeling project on the Geauga Theater using a public grant and fundraising dollars is nearing its conclusion, after a successful remodel of the women’s bathroom in the antique building.
Simons said the theater is now undergoing updates to its electrical system, insulation and sound system.
“We’re nearing the end of that and using the money and also the donations from the community to help support it,” he added.
Hansen did not respond to a request for comment prior to press deadline.
