For The Record - A Fond Farewell to GPT's Executive Director

A Fond Farewell to GPT's Executive Director 

photo provided by Great Plains Theatre

by Doug Nuttelman

Not quite 8 months ago, Maggie Hoffman was gearing up for her first day back to work at Great Plains Theatre. It was one week after her graduation from the University of Kansas and Hoffman was stepping into the position of Executive Director;  an important position to fill, particularly for the company's 20th Anniversary season of live theatre.  On that first day back, May 26, rehearsals were also beginning for GPT's first production of the season, Big River.  Of the 18 cast members, several were the same age as Hoffman and had just graduated from college as well. 

"I was trying to figure out what the next few years of my life were going to look like.  I considered Grad school and Law school, and then the opportunity to come back to GPT and potentially make a difference presented itself.  I was excited to be a part of the 20th season and gain perspective on what my next step would be."

Chosen by GPT's Board of Directors to oversee and maintain business operations, Maggie was familiar with the organization, having worked as Company Manager while she was a student at Abilene High School (class of 2010).  Maggie also appeared on stage in several productions in her youth, her first being at the age of 10 in Godspell, under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Richard Esvang.  Now as a young adult, she managed to jump in and accept the challenges of the Executive Director position, which ultimately included her handling the tragic occurrence in July that left GPT's future uncertain and a hole in the community's social scene. 

Flash forward to December when the final performance of the season was complete and an element of triumph was felt by Hoffman and the GPT staff - which aside from myself as Artistic Director, includes Managing Director Elizabeth Weese.  

"We achieved what appeared to be an insurmountable goal.  We didn't have a lot of time to look back and had to keep pressing on to ensure our season of professional theatre continued.  Thanks to our Board and many individuals in the community, we were able to accomplish what we, as a theatre company, set out to do - present a full season of shows."

It has often been said when opportunity knocks, a person should answer.  In this case, the knock came from the Austin Theatre Alliance, and a position with The ParamountTheatre in Austin, Texas.  On February 9, Hoffman will begin her work with the company as Programming Associate. 

What are you most looking forward to on this new journey? 

"I'm looking forward to experiencing a different view of the entertainment industry with the potential to grow in a thriving metropolitan area."

What will you take with you from your experience here at GPT?

"If I could take my staff with me in my suitcase I would, but sadly that isn't an option.  I'm departing with a new sense of resiliency and a broader confidence of myself and my capabilities."

What has been your favorite memory in your time at GPT, past or present?

"I would say the relationship between the staff has been really special.  That we can still interact on a professional level and also find time to enjoy each other's company is rare and something that I hope to experience in future positions.  At the end of the day, the times we were able to laugh in the midst of our various circumstances will be the moments I will remember when I look back on my time here."

Do you feel your experience as a young person at GPT informed your identity as an adult?

"Yes.  The experiences I had led me to where I am today and I'm hopeful that many other young people in our community will have the same opportunities to grow through their involvement with Great Plains Theatre."

It is with sincere thanks and gratitude that we wish Maggie the best on her continuing journey.  On behalf of the theatre's Board of Directors and staff, thank you Maggie.  An open house reception will be held on Friday, January 30, from 2-4 pm at GPT's office location, 311 NW 3rd Street, Abilene, Kansas 67410.

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The Associates at Abilene Kansas App, Salina Kansas App, Junction City Kansas App, and HBT Production wish Maggie a heartfelt farewell, acknowledgment of an Abilene loss and best wishes on her new exciting journey!!! We Will Miss You.

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