ATLANTA: Aurora Theatre has announced the promotion of Katie Pelkey from general manager to the post of managing director, the theatre’s first. Pelkey will work with the Aurora Theatre board to oversee operational, fundraising, and administrative areas for the theatre.

“Katie stepped up at a very difficult financial time,” said Aurora Theatre co-founder and producing artistic director Anthony Rodriguez in a statement. “The organization recovered most of our losses when we were forced to take a pause for COVID-19—but she didn’t miss a beat. We applied and received government support through the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP). Katie provided financial reports, including projected losses for foundation and national grants. Most importantly, she is leading the charge to nimbly move through a variety of budgeting scenarios that will allow us to reopen our doors as soon as possible. It’s the title she deserves. It’s the job she is doing.”

Pelkey has served as the general manager, company manager, resident stage manager, and educational resources associate during her 13 years at Aurora Theatre. She created the Stage Management and Costume Apprentice Company program which operates alongside Aurora’s Acting Apprentice Company program. Pelkey has a degree in Educational Theatre from New York University, and a minor in Dramatic Literature.

“We are so pleased to promote Katie to this new role,” said Aurora Theatre board president David Welden in a statement. “As the first managing director, she will bring a wealth of theatre experience to the position. She is the ideal individual to walk alongside Anthony and Ann-Carol, leading us as we expand into the new Lawrenceville Performing Arts Center.”