Press release from the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre:
The Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre has had many incredible leaders over its 45 year producing history. As our 45th anniversary season draws to a close with our production of Miracle in Bedford Falls, we are thrilled to congratulate Amanda Sayles, our Producing Artistic Director of the 2019 season, on new opportunities in arts leadership and arts administration. Amanda’s role as Producing Artistic Director ended on Nov. 6. She was an integral part of the rebirth of SART, and reestablishing SART as one of the best professional theatres in Western North Carolina.
“It was my greatest honor and privilege to help lead SART into a new era. SART has been home for a long time, and I will miss it greatly. Our patrons, technicians, creative teams, and company members have become family to me and I wish another 45 years of amazing shows for SART. I am thankful for our time together, and I can’t wait to cheer on SART and its continued success. My heart is full from the love, trust, and dedication our community and company have shown me over the years, and I will take that with me as I go on to make great art in other communities.” – Amanda Sayles
The SART Board, at the recommendation of Amanda Sayles and Mars Hill University Theatre Department Chair and SART Board Member Sue Fair, has appointed Chelsey Lee Gaddy Mirheli as the Interim Artistic Director of SART. Chelsey is a long-time company member of SART and a faculty member at Mars Hill University. A native of Asheville, NC, Chelsey graduated from Mars Hill University (BFA) and Florida Atlantic University (MFA). She moved back to Asheville 5 years ago after a diverse career in Pigeon Forge, TN, where she did everything from playing Lucille Ball to singing backup for Dolly Parton. “Chelsey was the natural choice for this position. She knows SART inside and out, the company trusts her, and she is a SART favorite on the stage (she is Alice Murphy, after all). I have full confidence in her abilities and will be behind her every step of the way as she transitions into this new role.” – Amanda Sayles
SART hopes that you will wish Amanda well on her future endeavors, and welcome Chelsey with open arms.
Stay tuned for a full season announcement! Season tickets go on sale January 2020, so come spend Christmas with SART and the 10th anniversary of Miracle in Bedford Falls!
Good luck to both those ladies. Ms. Sayles brought this company back from the doldrums, and it’s a doggone shame she had to leave. SART is a lovely space to see great live theatre, but it’s also cursed with a flippant board of directors.