PASADENA, CALIF.: The Pasadena Playhouse announced today that executive director Elizabeth Doran will leave at the end of April for a position with San Diego Theatres, a nonprofit public benefit corporation that manages the San Diego Civic Theatre and the Balboa Theatre.
The announcement was made by board chairman David DiCristofaro, who said in a statement, “We are grateful for the many contributions Elizabeth has made in her nearly three years as our executive director, and we know she will be successful in her new position. Elizabeth has helped to position the theatre for success going forward. Under her leadership, the Playhouse has strengthened its operating model and improved its performance. Elizabeth was also instrumental in leading the recent capital project to replace the theatre’s seats and initiated work around our 2017 centennial celebration.”
In a statement, Doran said, “The Pasadena Playhouse is a venerable institution and I am honored to have been a part of the Playhouse family and community. While the decision to leave was a difficult one, the opportunity offered to me as new president and CEO of San Diego Theatres, including the 3,000-seat Civic Theatre and the historic Balboa Theatre, was too great to pass up. My time at the Pasadena Playhouse will always be a highlight of my theatrical career. I’m proud of the success that I’ve helped lead over the last few years, including securing major new funding for nationally recognized community engagement and audience development initiatives. I leave with the confidence of knowing that the theatre is well positioned for many years to come.”
In addition to the announcement of Doran’s departure, DiCristofaro announced that staffers Joe Witt—general manager/production manager—and Meredith Min—director of finance—will oversee the Pasadena Playhouse on an interim basis. They will work alongside artistic director Sheldon Epps.
“Elizabeth has been a great asset to the Playhouse, and I have greatly valued our partnership and work together,” said Epps in a statement. “Our theatre has seen tremendous growth and success during the time that she has been with us and we are all so grateful for her incredible contributions to the Playhouse and the Los Angeles theatre community.”
A search for a new executive director will begin immediately.
