Roanoke Island Historical Association Announces New CEO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
marketing@thelostcolony.org
Office: (252) 473-2127 x 225
FAX: (252) 473-6000
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Roanoke Island Historical Association Announces New CEO
(Manteo, NC, August 25, 2010)— Michael Hardy, a North Carolina
born theatre consultant with personal ties to the state’s
outdoor dramas has been named CEO of The Lost Colony outdoor
drama. The announcement comes at the closing of their 73rd
anniversary season.
Hardy was born in Durham, NC and studied at Duke University and
the Carolina Playmakers at UNC-Chapel Hill before earning his
Ph.D. in theatre at the University of Michigan. After
graduating, he was general manager for the drama department at
East Carolina University for two years before going on to an
extensive career in arts management.
He was CEO of performing arts centers in Illinois, New York
City, Louisville and Miami and served as executive director of
the International Society for the Performing Arts. In recent
years he has consulted for a variety of performing arts
organizations, including a year as interim Vice President for
the Royal Conservatory in Toronto where he opened a new concert
hall.
Hardy’s family has been extensively involved in North Carolina's
outdoor dramas for many years. His father, William Hardy, was
general manager of The Lost Colony in the early 1950's and then
went on to manage Horn in the West before taking on the role of
Producing Director for the Cherokee drama Unto These Hills for
35 years. His younger brother Peter subsequently directed Unto
These Hills for another 16 years.
"My family spent many years in the State's outdoor dramas," says
Hardy, "and we all kind of grew up in that environment. My
sister was even baptized in the chapel on the stage of The Lost
Colony! So, whether this is fate or just in my genes: it
certainly feels as if it were meant to be."
“We are thrilled with Michael’s appointment,” says Chris Seawell
chairman of the Roanoke Island Historical Association the
producing organization of The Lost Colony. “His experience in
all aspects of the theatre and his expertise in arts management
will be an asset to the Association as we continue to build upon
our success and look ahead to our 75th anniversary season.”
Hardy’s appointment as CEO fills the vacancy of Carl V. Curnutte
who served as Executive Director and Producer of The Lost Colony
for five years. Curnutte resigned the position to work as
executive director of The Elizabethan Gardens. Michael plans to
relocate to Manteo from Chapel Hill where he currently resides.
The Lost Colony Honors
Curnutte for Achievements
(Manteo, NC, August 22, 2010)— In a touching
tribute to 22 years of service, the Roanoke Island Historical
Association Board of Directors took the occasion of the annual
Virginia Dare baby performance to honor outgoing Executive
Director and Producer Carl V Curnutte III.
The board surprised Curnutte with an award proclamation that
reads:
“Whereas Carl V. Curnutte, III served as the board’s Chief
Executive Officer from 2005 through 2010, progressing from the
role of General Manager to that of Executive Director of the
organization and Producer of The Lost Colony and associated
productions; and whereas at the outset of his tenure, he
successfully eliminated the organization’s indebtedness in short
order; And whereas his understanding of children, and
development of programs tailored to their needs, resulted in the
most financially successful children’s shows in our history; and
whereas his skill in crisis management and his charismatic
relationship with the general public contributed significantly
to the organization’s timely comeback after the disastrous
Costume Shop fire in 2007; And Whereas as producer his quest for
variety programming expanded the experimental offerings of the
organization; and whereas his interest in and devotion to the
organization began in his college days in 1988 at which time he
was a wardrobe stitcher in the costume department and tour guide
for the organization’s first backstage tours; And whereas during
his early years with the show, his talents and professional
potential were recognized by the organization with the Evelyn
Russell Layton Award; And by the show’s Production Designer who
tapped the young Curnutte to intern at the William Ivey Long
Studio in New York; Now, therefore be it resolved that, on the
occasion of his leaving the organization, the Board does hereby
officially recognize and appreciate Carl V. Curnutte, III for
his exceptional service, creativity, industry, energy and
devotion to The Lost Colony.”
“Since its beginning in 1937, The Lost Colony has had many
individuals within and without the Roanoke Island Historical
Association step forward to insure that the organization and the
drama continues,” says Chris Seawell chairman of the board of
the Roanoke Island Historical Association. “Carl Curnutte is one
of those individuals. He has played a very important part in The
Lost Colony's continuing success.”
Seawell remarks that it is through Curnutte’s long term
dedication, enthusiasm, passion and efforts, that The Lost
Colony is strong today. He adds, “Carl has led us through
significant challenges and events during his tenure as Executive
Director and as Producer, as well demonstrating leadership for
the cast, crew and artistic staff.”
He is sure that Carl's presence will certainly be missed and
confides, “We wish him the best.”
Curnutte is leaving his position at The Lost Colony to work next
door as executive director of The Elizabethan Gardens located
adjacent to The Lost Colony Office Building within Fort Raleigh
National Historic Site.
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