For 23 years I have had the privilege and honor of serving as Founder and Executive Director of what I believe has become a cultural icon in San Antonio. From a little storefront on Commerce Street, Magik has grown into a professional theatre that plays to over 200,000 people each year. We have toured nationally; our education department is thriving; we have an outreach program which works with at-risk youth from across the county; our local touring group travels all over Texas from the Rio Grande to the Panhandle and from East Texas to Del Rio and El Paso; our camp programs are second to none; and the actors and artists who create our shows and programs have become part of your extended family as you have become part of ours. They are all special people, which is why our work has always been fresh, funny, and exciting.

 

There comes a moment when one looks at one's creation and realizes that it can continue to grow only if you are willing to let it fly on its own. That willingness means opening the door to new ideas and new talent. As most of you probably know, I have decided to retire from the day-to-day operations of the Magik Theatre. For a long time I have wanted to take the time to write for and about the theatre (all theatre). Now is that time. The Board has embraced my desire and done everything they could to allow me this opportunity. I never thought I would retire - artists usually don't have that luxury. I am grateful to the Board and staff. They have supported me all the way. This doesn't mean I am riding off into the sunset. I will still be around, sticking my nose into everything. I will be doing consulting work for the theatre, working tirelessly to raise awareness as well as money to help the theatre renovate and expand its facilities. I will continue to write shows for the Magik (Roxaboxen, one of my favorite original works, is on the schedule for the 2016-2017 season.) Our new Artistic Director has also committed to commissioning a new play for the 2017-2018 season. I promise that I will continue to stand up for the children and families of San Antonio. I will continue to speak out on the most important issues facing our youth and our families. Perhaps I'll run for City Council, or even Mayor, under the banner of the Lemonade Party, like Judson Moon in The Kid Who Ran for President.

 

Parents and grandparents, you are the true heroes of our story. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support, your faith, and most important, your trust. You have allowed us to teach your children important lessons about courage, strength, and fun. You have brought your children to the theatre in good times and bad. You have interacted with us in ways that only a parent can understand. I have raised my children with yours (my daughter Ariel is a company member), and now I am helping raise my grandson, watching as he takes wonderful classes here which will teach him about teamwork, self-esteem, and courage, and help him become a better person. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Without you, this theatre would not exist. Please continue to support us by keeping your children connected to this truly magical place.

 

Now comes the fun part. When a date was chosen for my departure, a committee was formed to institute a national search for my successor. Over 100 resumes were received from all over the country (The Magik Theatre has a magical reputation nationwide.) After a month, the search was down to five people, all amazing. All five were interviewed in San Antonio. The list was then cut to two. Both were interviewed again.

 

It's my pleasure to introduce our new Managing Artistic Director, Frances Limoncelli. I'll give a brief introduction, then I'll step away from the computer and let Frances speak directly to all of you. The first thing you need to know is that Frances has been working in children's theatre for her entire career. You might want to know that Frances is a Yankee. Fortunately, San Antonio is diverse and friendly enough not to care about that. Give her some boots, teach her the Texas two-step and some Spanish, then get out of her way. She is a force of nature, and will carry the theatre's mission to new and even greater heights. I believe that Frances is the perfect person to take the Magik to the next level.

 

Frances comes to us from Chicago, which is second only to New York in both quality and quantity of professional theatre. There are literally hundreds of theatres. Frances has worked in various roles at the best of them. She is a playwright, actress, singer, and director. She also has experience in marketing, development, and education. Most important, she brings with her a passion and commitment to theatre for youth and families.

 

When the decision was made to allow me to back away from daily theatre operations, it became crucial to define exactly what qualities were necessary for the person who will implement a change in culture and direction. Change is not always easy. We needed to find a person who can honor our past and at the same time make the changes necessary to insure a bright, successful future. That takes a person of strength and courage. That person will have to embrace San Antonio's rich culture, heritage and diversity. Frances is the perfect person at the perfect time. Please give her the same kind of support, trust, and love you have given me.

 

Now it is time for me to let Frances share with you her vision for the future of The Magik Theatre. Thank you for 23 glorious years. What a wonderful trip it's been! SEE YOU AT THE THEATRE!! 

 

 

 

Hello, Friends of Magik.

As a new member of the San Antonio community, I am charmed and inspired by the cultural diversity and historical authenticity in this beautiful city. Thank you so much for your warm welcome.

 

Magik's 23rd season will honor our past while moving enthusiastically into the future. I've got some big "cowboy" boots to fill, and although Magik's beloved founder Richard Rosen has passed the torch, he has promised to be my trusted advisor moving forward. We will be collaborating as we reimagine his adaptation of the heartwarming Roxaboxen, a production that will embody the best of Magik's storied history and bring it to a new generation of families. And please look for an invitation to our gala event this winter that will celebrate Richard's vision, artistry, and years of dedicated service to The Magik Theatre and the San Antonio community.

 

As I look ahead, I am filled with ideas and plans. The 2016-2017 season will include some exciting new shows and a few new faces. The staff and I look forward to examining our mission and dedicating ourselves anew to making theatre accessible in as many ways as possible. In everything we do, our focus will continue to be bringing great children's books to life on the stage, providing families with meaningful shared experiences, and sparking a love of the arts and literature to last a lifetime.

 

AND WE NEED YOU, our dedicated fans and friends, to help make Magik's future a reality. Please come see Treasure Island, opening tomorrow. And we hope you'll continue to support our programming by becoming a season ticket holder, which comes with all the benefits of last year's membership program, plus tickets to shows, backstage access to actors and designers, and the knowledge that your support helps us provide affordable tickets to low-income school children across the region.  

 

THANK YOU, from all of us here at Magik, for coming with us on the next part of our journey.