Duha eliminated as MSF managing director

Michigan Shakespeare Festival Managing Director Robert B. Duha told Oberon members at our July 21, 2010 meeting that he will no longer serve as managing director of the festival as of August 8, after two seasons in this position. Duha said he tendered his resignation after being informed that he would be laid-off at the end of the current MSF season. Duha said the festival's new artistic director, Jan Blixt, will probably take over as both managing and artistic director and that the president of the MSF board, certified public accountant John Cross, has taken over as executive director. Loss of funding is one of the factors in the management change, including the loss of a $60,000 Weatherwax Foundation grant that reduced the current budget by approximately sixteen-percent.

Oberon Chairperson Tom Hunter expressed our deep dismay at Duha's dismissal because he has been such a good friend. Hunter proclaimed Duha an honorary Oberon member. Duha said he hopes to continue his association with our group.

Duha said he is hopeful for the future of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, adding that Jan Blixt has a five-year-plan that includes a deep commitment to educational outreach.

MSF High School Monologue Contest at 11 a.m. July 31, 2010
One aspect of MSF's educational outreach, the annual High School Monologue Contest, will culminate at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 31 in the Michael Baughman Theater at the Potter Center on Jackson Community College campus at 211 Eamons Road, Jackson MI. Regional winners will compete by reading a two-minute monologue from a Shakespeare play. Judges are Jan Blixt, Terry Pow, and Betsy Davis.

Richard Joyrich presents Comedy of Errors talk at 6:30 p.m. July 31, 2010
Oberon members plan to attend the monologue contest finals and will stay for the Romeo & Juliet matinee at 2 p.m. and evening performance of Comedy of Errors at 7:30 p.m. Oberon member Richard Joyrich will present an informative talk on Comedy of Errors at 6:30 p.m. in the Michael Baughman Theater lobby. We hope you will consider joining us for a day of Shakespearean surfeit.

Comments

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Oberon Shakespeare Study Group

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