Laura Williamson Named New Executive Director of Muncie Civic Theatre

Muncie Civic Theatre and the Board of Directors has announced that Laura Williamson will join the 85 year old institution as its new Executive Director and assume the role on February 1, 2016. In this position, Williamson will work with Chris Griffith and Paul Tavianini who continue as Business and Artistic Director, respectively.

Board President, Leigh Edwards remarked, “After careful consideration and focused action from the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome Laura Williamson. Her years of experience with Muncie Civic Theatre, serving as President from 2013-2015 and a board member before that, provide a strong foundation for achieving our mission to enrich the whole community through theatre performance, education, and outreach.” Edwards continued by saying, “Laura brings a fantastic balance to the table, understanding both the artistic and business sides of the theatre. Her passion for the impact Civic has in East Central Indiana is unmatched.”

“Civic has a highly skilled team in place that has shepherded the organization through a time of significant growth,” added Chris Griffith, “The board leadership knew how important it was to find someone who could step in seamlessly and continue the extraordinary work Civic is doing in our community. In my six years of experience working with Laura, her volunteerism and commitment to high quality performances, at-risk youth, diversity, and autism awareness are all foundations of our theatre-based mission.”

Laura Williamson has received a Master of Arts in Theatre from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Michigan State. She has developed several drama programs in churches and private institutions over her career. Most recently she was nominated as Person of the Year by The Star Press, remains an active part of the Mainstage directing team at Civic, and continues to foster theatre outreach programming at Motivate Our Minds. “I am very pleased to be joining this amazing team who I have had the privilege of working with as a board member and also a director of shows. The combined experience and vision of the artistic staff is one of Civic’s biggest strengths when it comes to our reputation in Muncie. The strong connection with Ball State University has played a critical role in our success, and I look forward to maintaining artistic and technical learning opportunities for students. I am both honored and humbled to lead Muncie Civic Theatre, as we continue to grow the impact on our community.”

Muncie Civic Theatre was founded in 1931 by William H. Ball and is housed in the Boyce Block building, built in 1880 by James Boyce. Generations of families have shared the stage together, building family ties and creating lifelong memories. Muncie Civic has been and continues to be a cultural beacon in Muncie. It is a vital downtown presence, improving quality of place and providing artistic opportunities for local performers.