As Orlando Shakes continues its 35th anniversary season, the Central Florida nonprofit theater has appointed Larry Mabrey as its new managing director.
After serving as the managing director of Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Mabrey is moving from sunny California to the Sunshine State to oversee the organization’s business and theatrical offerings. He will take over for interim executive director Elizabeth “Betsy” Gwinn, who has led Orlando Shakes since previous managing director Douglas Love-Ramos left for a new California-based job in July.
Mabrey will begin in his role as managing director on Nov. 27.
“Orlando Shakes’ reputation for high-quality professional productions is well known, and I am energized about the opportunities that await us,” Mabrey said in a news release. “I look forward to partnering with Jim Helsinger, the staff, board, and community to bring the magic of theater to Central Florida and expand Orlando Shakes’ sphere of influence.”
With 18 years of experience, Mabrey previously served as the executive director of Circus Flora theater in St. Louis, executive director of West Virginia Public Theatre, producing artistic director for the Avalon Theatre Company of St. Louis and director of the Center for Professional Development at Webster University.
Linda Landman Gonzalez, a Shakes board member, led the search committee for the new managing director, which resulted in 100 candidates from across the nation being contacted during the search process.
“Mabrey emerged as the strongest and most experienced applicant at the close of the search with the skills and enthusiasm to lead Shakes into its 36th season and beyond,” she said in a news release.
The upcoming program at the Shakes includes “A Christmas Carol,” “6 String Christmas,” starring Chase Padgett and “Henry VI, Part 1: Joan of Arc,” kicking off the new year in January 2024.
Jim Helsinger, Orlando Shakes’ artistic director, said he is eager to work with Mabrey as he enters his new role.
“I have known Larry for years through the Shakespeare Theatre Association and have admired his skill and talent,” Helsinger said in a news release. “Larry joins us with experience leading a respected Shakespeare theater and I look forward to working together to build the future of Orlando Shakes.”
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