March 2, 2018

Weeks after a call for donations, the Sioux Empire Community Theatre has eliminated the position of producing artistic director.

“The board of directors has made the difficult determination that the theatre’s current staff structure exceeds the financial resources available at this time,” the organization said in a statement.

“The board believes that this is the best option available at this time to continue to provide a lasting and sustainable community theater. We want to publicly thank Patrick Pope for his years of service, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Kristen Townsend has been named volunteer interim executive director. She is the marketing director at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith LLP.

Earlier this month, the theater said it needed to raise $100,000. The organization performs at the Orpheum Theater Center in downtown Sioux Falls.

Sioux Empire Community Theatre needs ‘immediate financial support’