ORLANDO, FLA.: Cheryl Collins, known throughout central Florida as a leading development and executive leader, was recently named executive director of Orlando Shakes, in partnership with University of Central Florida. She succeeds Larry Mabrey, who stepped down last November.
“We are excited to have Cheryl join us,” said board president A. Noni Holmes-Kidd in a statement. “She is someone who understands, and has deep relationships within, the central Florida community. As a proven leader in the arts, her leadership will help guide us to the next level.”
Collins most recently served as director of development and then executive director of Orlando Ballet (2016-24), and spearheaded significant fundraising efforts with Orlando Health Foundation—including serving as its foundation vice president—for 15 years. She has been serving as Orlando Shakes’ executive consultant since this past December.
“I am deeply honored to partner with Jim Helsinger and the Orlando Shakes board of directors to provide for the forward growth of the cultural standard bearer for theatre in central Florida,” said Collins in a statement. “As a premier performing arts organization, raising awareness of the artistic quality of the Shakes both locally and nationally will be first on the priority list.”
Collins made her mark on Central Florida’s arts and culture scene by leading Orlando Ballet through the pandemic. She was instrumental not only in raising monies for the organization at a time when many arts organizations were struggling to survive, but also in leading the capital project fundraising for Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre and the 2023 debut of the company’s new production of The Nutcracker, as well as helping to develop community outreach programs that continue to this day. Collins has a BA in communications from the University of Central Florida, is a graduate of Leadership Orlando, and is a certified fundraising executive.
Now in its 36th season, Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF is central Florida’s leading nonprofit professional regional theatre, featuring classic, contemporary, and children’s plays at the John & Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center. As of 2023, they have a budget of approximately $4.6 million.
