Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Kleit.
Hi Susan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Once I decided to retire from my Germantown based day job and pursue my creative passions, I moved to Hagerstown, and got involved with The Potomac Playmakers, Encore Creativity, the Grace Notes, and the Frederick Chorale. While I had performed in community theater elsewhere a decade earlier, it was at The Potomac Playmakers that I explored the other side of community theater; marketing, play selection, production and directing.
Since moving to this area I have been in several productions at The Potomac Playmakers, directed my first full length show and am now involved in the basic operations of the theater. Additionally, I sing with 3 choirs of different sizes, demographics and missions.
Indeed, Hagerstown offers a wide range of opportunities to expand artistic pursuits, as well as enjoy the great outdoors. Proximity to the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since moving to Hagerstown as a retiree it has been smooth sailing. In particular, the small town of Williamsport, where I live, provides a charming setting for small town living.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
After a 20 year hiatus from full time work in market research for the natural resources industry, I obtained an online graduate certificate in Arts Management from UMASS Amherst. The program prepared me to re-enter the workforce aimed at the performance arts industry, the passion which had been set aside since high school to pursue a more practical path.
Upon completion of the certificate I joined the marketing department of a community nonprofit. I helped coordinate some of their performing arts programming, and filled the house!
Fast forward to now with The Potomac Playmakers I am most proud of the incremental innovations made to the operations concerning play selection, marketing reach and my personal growth as a first time director. Next season I will direct my first musical. Moreover, The Potomac Playmakers is now celebrating its 100th season, making it one of the oldest community theaters in Maryland.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned is that change to any organization is a collaborative process.
Pricing:
- $20.oo a ticket
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepotomacplaymakers.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potomacplaymakers/
