GREENVILLE, S.C.: Centre Stage has announced the promotion of associate artistic director Laura Nicholas to the role of managing artistic director, succeeding interim executive and artistic director Thom Seymour Jr. The move, per a release from the Centre Stage board of directors, is ideal due to Nicholas’ energy, credentials, and creativity, combined with her vision for Centre Stage.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laura to her new role during such a critical time in the life of the organizations,” said board president Nolan Merritt in a statement. “We are confident in Laura’s leadership and look forward to supporting her in this new capacity.”

Seymour will continue with the company as Centre Stage’s technical/facilities director. Seymour had replaced Glenda ManWaring, who had served as Centre Stage’s executive and artistic director since 2010.

Nicholas was a freelance director, designer, and stage manager before joining Centre Stage full time in 2017. Nicholas holds a B.A. and M.A. in Theatre Arts from Bob Jones University, as well as an M.F.A. in Directing from Baylor University. In addition to directing, designing, and teaching during her time at Baylor, Nicholas also traveled the country presenting her work at theatre conferences. Nicholas also traveled to Bangalore, India, to serve as a teaching artist at Christ University. Her Centre Stage credits include directing  Noises Off!, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Freud’s Last Session, and Capture Now.