The Board of Directors of Little Lake Theatre Company (www.littlelake.org) together with its Search Committee, announces that Roxy MtJoy will step into the role of Artistic Director, while Bob Rak, long-time Little Lake actor and Board member, will assume the role of Managing Director. The new management team will replace Sunny Disney Fitchett as Artistic Director and Robert Fitchett as Managing Director as they transition into their previously announced retirement on June 1, 2015. Both MtJoy and Rak will work alongside the Fitchetts to make the June transition a seamless one.
"Rob and I are thrilled that Roxy MtJoy and Bob Rak will be fulfilling the key management positions with Little Lake Theatre Company," said Sunny Disney Fitchett. "Roxy and Bob are each the ideal blend of artist and administrator."
MtJoy's experience includes off-Broadway and Los Angeles directing credits as well as administrative, producing and development leadership for several New York City based arts organizations. She was a finalist for both the Drama League and Manhattan Theatre Club Directing Fellowships. "Roxy also has a strong background in youth programming and theatre education initiatives, which are both so important to our mission at Little Lake."
Fitchett comments on the selection of Bob Rak as Managing Director, "Bob is a seasoned and trusted leader who has had ten years of involvement with Little Lake, as actor for our mainstage, theater for young audiences and family matinee series and, perhaps most importantly, as a trusted officer in the treasurer role for our board of directors. He is uniquely qualified to drive strategic prioritization and accountability within the Theatre, with a laser-focus on operational excellence."
"I have tremendous confidence in both of these manager's abilities to honor and align Little Lake's 67-year legacy with operational practices and production integrity that will drive the Lake's growth and leadership in the theater community. Rob and I feel strongly that the Lake couldn't be in better hands with these two managers at the helm."
Roxy MtJoy comes "full circle" to Little Lake Theatre Company. She was born and raised in Waynesburg, PA and fondly recalls attending Little Lake Theatre's production of "A Christmas Carol" more than 25 years ago. MtJoy earned a BA in Theatre from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, Virginia; and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from the
Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She also trained at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles and New York City. After comprehensive directing, playwriting and producing experience for off-Broadway theatre companies and productions during her tenure in New York City, she returns with her husband and daughter to southwestern Pennsylvania and to Little Lake Theatre.
Prior to his appointment as Managing Director, Rak has worked in leading Finance and Operational roles with corporations such as ANSYS, Inc. where he served as Sr. Financial Analyst for more than 10 years. He's also held operational roles with several not-for-profit organizations, including The Early Learning Institute, Main Stay Life Services and the Center for Creative Play. He's also served as Treasurer of the Little Lake Board of Directors for three years running. Bob's involvement with the Lake started as a student in "I Can Do That!", Little Lake's acting class for adults, and this past season he completed his 20(th) mainstage role, reaching Little Lake's Wall of Fame. Rak earned a BS degree in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh and a combined MBA/MOIS from the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate Program.
According to Kevin Gallagher, president of Little Lake's Board of Directors, "The Search Committee received and reviewed resumes from over 60 qualified candidates for both positions, but unanimously settled on MtJoy and Rak as the best candidates to fulfill Little Lake's short- and long-term growth goals. As we bid a warm farewell to Sunny and Rob Fitchett later this year - complete with all of our gratitude and appreciation for the legacy they built from Will Disney's original vision - we feel confident about our future and working with these two fine professionals. Our patrons, supporters and community will no doubt welcome Roxy and Bob and continue to enjoy the quality they'll bring to the Theatre."
Little Lake patrons, supporters and the community at large will have the opportunity to 'meet and greet' the new management team at an event hosted in their honor on Friday, March 26 at 7 PM at Little Lake Theatre Company, 500 Lakeside Drive, Canonsburg, PA. For more information, go to
www.littlelake.org/rsvp.
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