Limelight Theatre’s Board of Directors has announced that Sherrie Provence is the organization’s new executive director. Provence, having moved from Charleston, South Carolina, is now a St. Augustine resident and began her post in March.
For the last 30 years, Provence has either performed in or directed and produced theatrical events, and since 2015 has worked as a professor of theater and director for regional theater companies. She has owned and operated three theater companies as well as a production company where she worked with Turner Broadcasting, A&E Network and 20th Century Fox.
As an actress in film and TV, she has worked with several major stars. According to Provence, being a performing artist has given her a desire to help other artists realize their calling and distinguish themselves as compelling storytellers. Her goal has been to produce excellence in the artistic community through her work as a teacher-coach and a director.
Provence takes over the position from Beth Lambert, who announced her retirement in late 2021.
“Replacing an employee is rarely an easy process, but replacing someone like Beth Lambert, with an 18-year career at our organization, was obviously going to be a Herculean task for Limelight Theatre's Board of Directors,” said Chris MacEwan, board president.
After a nationwide search resulting in nearly 100 applicants and more than four months of screening and interviewing, the board selected Provence.
“As excited as the board and staff have been to start the onboarding process with Sherrie, we're even more excited to introduce her to our patrons and our community,” MacEwan said. “She has a rich background in the performing arts as an actor, teacher and leader as well as a passion for storytelling that's infectious to those she meets. It's that passion that will drive the Limelight forward as we emerge from the worst of the pandemic and look to the future.”
“For the last 18 years, I’ve watched this theater grow into the mighty company it is today,” Lambert said. “I am so proud of all of the work we’ve accomplished together; community theater takes a village and we have quite the village.”
She credited all of the actors, designers, crew members, volunteers, ushers, guild, students, teachers, patrons, donors, staff and board for Limelight Theatre’s continued success.
“While I will miss the day-to-day, I am so proud to pass the torch to Sherrie,” she said. “Her passion, experience and insight will help take Limelight to the next level. I welcome her with open arms and wish her all of the very best.”
“What a thrill to be coming to a community already so supportive and involved in the arts,” Provence said. “As a storyteller who very much feels called to what I do, I realize and appreciate what a rare opportunity it is to join a group of theater lovers who are so committed to bringing truth to life on the stage. I consider it one of my greatest honors thus far to be asked to be the next executive director at the Limelight, following in the footsteps of someone so loved and gifted as Beth Lambert. I am so excited to continue to build on what has been established and get to know and serve the beloved St. Augustine community.”
Provence’s tenure as executive director begins during the theater’s 30th season, with four productions remaining: “Messiah on the Frigidaire” (Southern comedy), “Little Women” (classic musical), “Dial M for Murder” (murder mystery) and “Parade” (summer musical.) Her first full season as executive director, the 31st season, will begin in September.
