ArtsCriticATL.com

Blaming the economy, the Alliance Theatre has announced “the beginnings of a significant administrative restructuring process” — and the first head to fall is that of managing director Tom Pechar, who has been with the Woodruff Arts Center’s resident ensemble since 2002.

In a five-paragraph press release issued at the end of the day Friday, theater board chair Howard Feinsand said: “In these unprecedented and difficult financial times, the traditional theater management model must be constantly re-examined. Similar to our peer arts institutions around the nation, we are always seeking ways to innovate and achieve operational efficiencies. This principle of innovation applies not only to the art we produce, but also to the operational mechanisms that support it.”

The communique offered no details about the terms or timeline of Pechar’s departure; nor did it include any of the sort of farewell tributes generally accorded such departing figureheads. Pechar came to Atlanta after a brief tenure at Baltimore’s Center Stage. His resume also includes a 12-year management stint with the Children’s Theatre of Seattle.

Apparently there will be more changes to come at the city’s top playhouse, with “more details” promised in the “near future.”

The restructuring will continue “as a collaborative effort between the Alliance Theatre Board and members of the theatre’s senior staff,” according to the press release. “The planned outcome is a leaner, more innovative and agile organization designed to withstand dramatic changes in future economic environments.”

1. Joe McKaughan

   1

   In recent years, the Alliance Theatre has become a “road house,” with fewer original shows produced by them. With a budget of over $10 million, they could do better at being creative like Actors Express rather than a stop-off for touring productions like “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Disney’s Aladdin.”

   08 Aug

2. Alice Murray

   2

   Wow. Thanks for sharing. As a long-time season subscriber, I’ve been disappointed in the shortened season of the last few years. So few plays on the mainstage that I really don’t feel very connected to the theater anymore. And I wish they would use more of our very talented local actors rather than importing everyone.
   It just makes me sad to see the cost cutting at the Alliance. We have had season tickets for several years (in addition to Georgia Shakespeare), and this year we hesitated, thinking seriously about going to another theater instead. We renewed, but it may be our last year.

   08 Aug

3. Raye Varney

   3

   Sad news about Tom – he’s a great guy and has been a real asset to the community. It will be interesting to see how their new structure shakes out.

   08 Aug

Reply to “Breaking news: Alliance Theatre cans managing director Tom Pechar”

Name

Mail

Website