Turnaround Effort in Killeen: New Board and Recalled Consulting Executive Director for Vive Les Arts Theatre

From KWTX, reposted on Facebook by Vive Les Arts Theatre

Thursday, the Vive Les Arts Board of Directors announced their officers for 2017-2019. Brett Pritchard was elected Chairman of the Board; Michael Linnemann elected 1st Vice Chairman; Vicki Carlson, 2nd Vice Chairman; Cody Sulak, Treasurer; Susan Faucett, Secretary.  Summer Heidtbrink will serve as Ex-Officio Chairman, Kerry Ann Frazier was appointed Parliamentarian, and Howard Fomby was appointed Legal Counsel by Chairman Brett Pritchard.

 

Former chairman Summer Heidtbrink expressed optimism at the development, “We are so lucky to have great leadership from Brett, Mike and Vicki, and I know they’ll do a fantastic job of leading us. I know VLA is in good hands.”

 

In a joint effort with Waco Civic Theatre, the Board named Eric Shephard as Consulting Executive Director.  Mr. Shephard, former Artistic Director of Vive Les Arts, will work with the Board of Directors in bringing the theatre back to its position of prominence in Central Texas. Said Mr. Shephard, “I am challenged and humbled by the opportunity to serve again at VLA.” Mr. Shephard will continue to serve as Executive Director of the Waco Civic Theatre during his tenure in Killeen.

 

“Our first order will be to announce the 2017-2018 Season, and then we’ll show Central Texans that we are back artistically. VLA had great success this summer with ‘The Little Mermaid.’ We’ll need to capitalize on all the attention the theatre has recently received in the press,” said Mr. Shephard.  

 

Shephard successfully served as Artistic Director from 1999 to 2012, but the theatre has failed to maintain its profitability since his departure. However, he sees cause for hope. “The new board is energetic, and they’ve faced the problems they see unflinchingly. They’re effective leaders, and respected in the community. I’ve helped turned around the fortunes of struggling theatres in the past, and I’m determined to help VLA get back to where it needs to be.”

 

With VLA’s board and staff leadership in place, new 1st Vice Chairman Mike Linnemann sees good days ahead.  “We’ve got a great team, and even though there are challenges from the building itself to finances to gaining a good reputation in the community, I think we’re up to it. I see great days ahead for VLA.”

 

For further info, please contact Mike Linnemann at Linnemann Realty, 254-628-9272, or Eric Shephard at execdirector@vlakilleen.org.