City Theatre Names Mcley Lafrance Assistant Artistic Director

Coming on the heels of its successful 18th season City Theatre announces the appointment of Mcley LaFrance to the position of Assistant Artistic Director, Joy Finer as Operations Director, and Melody Fakhourie as Director of Development.

"We are thrilled to add these three talented and dedicated professionals to our team. They have proven themselves to be generous and passionate professionals over the past year with City and in their previous employment. Their additions mark an important growth for City Theatre in the development of our organization," said John Manzelli- Producing Artistic Director.

Mr. Lafrance has been with City Theatre for the past two years, serving as Resident Director of Shorts 4 Kids, Company Manager, Production Manager & Artistic Associate of City. He is an American of Haitian decent who received his BFA from Barry University and served two years as an ensemble member of ALLIANCE THEATRE Lab (Miami).

"As Assistant Artistic Director of City Theatre, my role is to inspire those with fewer resources to rise above their circumstances in a positive way with creativity and perseverance. City Theatre has provided me with an opportunity to grow artistically as a professional, and to assist in crafting exciting programming with Shorts 4 Kids, specifically for our community's young people," said Mr. Lafrance.

"Mr. Lafrance has risen through our organization with tremendous drive, professionalism, and vision. Mcley provides a valuable artistic viewpoint that will only serve to elevate our art and organization," said John Manzelli.

Joy Finer - Director of Operations: Prior to joining City Theatre in its 18th season, Ms. Finer was the Operations Director at Actors' Playhouse and previously worked as Development and Special Events Manager at the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Joy has close to 30 years experience in theatre administration. Born and raised in Buffalo New York, she attended Buffalo State College where she received her BA in Marketing and Business administration. Always having a love for the theatre and the arts, she decided to transition her career from marketing and sales to the non-profit sector. Before moving to Miami she was Marketing and Development Director at the Orpheum Foxbourgh Theatre in Massachusetts, was a member of the Massachusetts Cultural Arts Council for ten years and an advisory Board Member of the Little Theatre of Stoughton for 20 years. Ms. Finer has been a member of many local and regional organizations and currently is a Board Member of the American Cancer Society, Miami Dade Unit, and a volunteer committee member with the East Kendall Relay for Life for the past eleven year. Joy is very happy to be working with City Theatre and believes in the direction the company is heading, looking forward to an exciting 19th season.

Melody Fakhourie - Director of Development: Melody Fakhourie is originally from Delaware where her love for the arts began as a child studying musical theatre and vocal music at its premier Cab Calloway School of the Performing Arts. Melody attended Widener University where she focused on Legal Studies and subsequently worked with Delaware's DOJ State Attorney's Office for 5 years. Melody has worked within the South Florida arts community since her journey to Miami in 2009. She also works closely with The Children's Trust. A recent addition to the City Theatre team, Melody serves as the Director of Development and anticipates an energetic, invigorating 19th Season and beyond with the company!

For more information on City Theatre or the Summer Shorts Festival, contact City Theatre at (305) 755-9401 or visit www.citytheatre.com.

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