Summer Theatre director resigns
COEUR d'ALENE - The executive director of the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre said Monday she has resigned, effective at the end of this week.
Laura Little, who has led the organization almost two years, said she decided "to take a break from full-time work for a while so I can enjoy my family and friends and pursue some project-based options."
Little, who recently returned from a trip to New York scouting potential shows for the Summer Theatre, said she is leaving the Summer Theatre in good financial standing. She said she and the staff were able to bring in quality shows and worked hard to publicize events and be involved in the community.
She said she is leaving things on a high note.
This season's shows, "The Wizard of Oz," "A Little Night Music," "Once on this Island" and "The Sound of Music," filled 26,000 seats at the Schuler Performing Arts Center at North Idaho College. A highlight was "The Wizard of Oz," which starred Ellen Travolta.
A matinee program aimed at bringing theater to children was a success, too, Little said.
"Everybody knows who Summer Threatre is now," she said.
When Little was hired in January 2010, her contract called for five hours a week as it was more of an advisory role to stabilize things and give it a clear vision.
It quickly turned into a full-time post, as she oversaw a staff of five and a nearly $1 million budget.
"Almost two years later, it's really more than I can give right now," she said.
Little, a diehard Boston Red Sox fan, considered accepting a similar role with a larger theater organization, but declined that, too. She decided, she said, to enjoy her family, especially with the holidays coming up.
The Summer Theatre's holiday show, "GI Holiday Jukebox," is scheduled Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.
Summer Theatre officials could not be reached from comment regarding possible plans to find Little's replacement.
Little said because the nonprofit is on solid ground, her responsibilities may be divided up between staff.