BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Board of Theatre West Virginia shared an eagerly awaited announcement Wednesday confirming the appointment of a new General Manager for the organization.
The news comes just shy of two months after former Theatre West Virginia General Manager Scott Hill’s announcement of his intention to retire.
Upon learning of the impending vacancy of the GM position – a role which Hill held for nearly a decade – many postulated on who may be appointed to fill the proverbial shoes in taking on the role.
Wednesday’s announcement from the Board of Theatre West Virginia revealed that Gayle Oakes will be assuming the role of General Manager for organization’s 63rd season.
“The Board of Theatre West Virginia would like to welcome its new general manager Gayle Oakes,” read the announcement. “She and our team promise to make our 63rd Season one of our best with many more to follow. Gayle is a consummate professional.”
A wife, mother, and Beckley resident of 15 years, Oakes’ passion for theatre first emerged during her time at Mississippi State University.
“Theatre is in my Blood,” said Oakes. “I started my journey in college in the science department, but soon found myself spending all my time in the theatre. I also joined the local community theatre where I was the stage manager and performed.”
In 2012 she started a non-profit theatre ministry for children, and has long strived for the opportunity to lead in a professional theatre setting.
“I have dreamed of the day that I would be able to run a professional theatre,” said Oakes. “God opened the door for me this year and I walked through. I am excited to be joining the historical Theatre West Virginia. I have big dreams of bringing this theatre back to the glory days.”
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