Sioux Falls, SD – The Sioux Empire Community Theatre recently concluded it’s 16th season with Oliver, a British musical, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart capping off the most successful season in over a decade.
“Less than 18 months ago, the Sioux Empire Community was contemplating dissolution, today we are excited to announce that we have hired Robin Byrne as our new Executive Director. Robin brings to the table the right balance of professional theatre experience coupled with a strong business background,” stated Rick Weiland, newly elected President of the Sioux Falls based non-profit.
Byrne trained and worked as a theatre professional in the United Kingdom, ran operations for Xerox in the North of England and was nominated for a United Nations Peace Award for delivering positive outcomes into non-profit organizations.
Originally from England but now a US citizen, Byrne is a member of Equity the actor’s union and well known to audiences at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Sioux Falls. He has performed in many shows but as Director of the recent productions of Steel Magnolias and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Byrne has delivered high quality entertainment that has showcased the true professionalism possibilities of community based theatre.
“Robin’s experience as an actor, director and service on the Board along with his business background make him an excellent choice as we continue to evolve professionally and strengthen our financial position. We feel that the creative integrity of our stage productions and continued financial growth and stability of our organization are in good hands,” said Kimberly Jacobson, Immediate Past President.
“The level of talent in the Sioux Empire community is of an unusually high standard,” said Byrne. “I auditioned in 2014 for the SECT production of Les Miserables and was amazed at how superb these people are. Many have professional theatrical and music related backgrounds and the talent extends to the technical teams who are able to create superb sets, costumes, props, lighting, and sound on a very limited budget. The Board of Directors led by outgoing President Kimberly Jacobson and loyal volunteers have worked a miracle in the past 18 months in turning around the fortunes of the company and I am relishing the opportunity to build on that solid foundation as we raise the bar even higher. We have proven that we are capable of providing a high professional standard of theatre and that is precisely what the local community can expect from us as we move forward. I want to urge local businesses to step up and offer their support financially and in other ways. We don’t just offer entertainment to the local community we offer opportunities for the community to showcase and develop the talent that exists here in both younger and older people. That truly is worth encouraging, that is worth sponsoring and that is worth associating your brand with something of real quality that simultaneously shows your commitment to the people of this community,” concluded Byrne.
“With the Orpheum now under the new management of the Washington Pavilion, we have already had several meetings in the past 2 weeks with key Pavilion staff and are excited about the many possibilities moving forward. There are sure to be some growing pains but we are hopeful, positive and looking forward to partnering with the Washington Pavilion and ensuring that we will continue to provide an affordable and quality theatre experience for the Sioux Empire community,” Weiland concluded.
The Sioux Empire Community theatre will open the new season with the wonderful Abba musical “Mamma Mia” followed by the Emmy Award winning “Tuesdays with Morrie,” the hilarious British farce “Lend Me a Tenor” and the ever popular family musical “Beauty and the Beast.”
In addition, Byrne will be taking a revival of last season’s smash hit” Steel Magnolias” to the Mitchell Performing Arts Center for two shows on November 9th and 10th followed by an “ENCORE at ICON” dinner theatre showing at ICON Lounge in Sioux Falls on November 14th.
Season tickets are great value at only $100 for all 4 Orpheum main stage shows. Individual tickets are $30. Season tickets for students are $50, $15 for individual tickets.
The Sioux Empire Community Theatre welcomes volunteers for any involvement whatsoever, onstage, backstage, front of house and fund-raising. There is always a job that needs an extra pair of hands and this is truly a community theatre, so be a part of Season 17 and contact us via www.tpplayhouse.wpengine.com.