Michele Strauss

After four years of running Boca Grande’s Royal Palm Players and leading its return to an unprecedented financial success, Michele Strauss, the Managing Director/Artistic Director, has decided to leave at the end of this season.

Strauss said, “It has been a wonderful four years but I am ready for a bigger challenge.”

Strauss, who was producing six plays and eight to 10 special events over the last four seasons, feels that the shortened season of three shows and two special events will not be artistically challenging.

“I got used to a fast-paced, high-energy position, and going from 14-16 productions a season down to five won’t be creatively satisfying for me. I will miss working in this beautiful place every day and want to thank our board, our volunteers, our supporters and our audiences for their faith and trust in me.”

Erica Ress Martin, RPP President said, “Michele turned RPP from a company in the red to a healthy, vital, fully-funded company in the black. Ms. Strauss is credited with turning the once small office into a totally equipped, top-notch, professional office space. RPP has three storage units overflowing with sets, furniture, costumes and props, which they never had before. Not only will her excellent managerial skills be missed, her outstanding directing, acting and teaching ability will be a loss for us as well. Her talent and 24/7 commitment to Royal Palm Players are irreplaceable. The board wishes Michele the best, and know her next company will benefit from her push for excellence, just as we have. She will be missed by her many friends and supporters. The board unanimously thanks Michele for her loyal, dedicated and professional leadership and wishes her well in her future endeavors.”

No one is expected to replace Strauss at this time.

 

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