For City Times

Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre has appointed Gretchen Powers as its new executive director. Powers began her tenure this week.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gretchen to our team,” said David Farmbrough, WRCT board president. “She has a wealth of experience in theatre and in our theatre specifically, and we are confident that she will lead the Theatre to even greater heights.”

Powers brings over 20 years of experience in theatre to her new role. She previously worked for non-profit businesses in the area, including the Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin and Inclusa. On a volunteer basis, she has served on the WRCT board for the past six years and acted, directed and fulfilled many technical roles as well as being one half of HoPo Productions, the group that organizes youth theatre productions for WRCT. Powers has directed many plays for the youth theatre.

“I am honored to be named Executive Director,” said Powers. “This is a vibrant and dynamic organization with a long history of artistic excellence and serving our community in Wisconsin Rapids and central Wisconsin. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and volunteers to build on this foundation and create even more opportunities for the community to experience the power of theatre.”

In her new role, Powers will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of WRCT. She will work with the board of directors to set strategic goals, develop and implement fundraising and marketing plans, and oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations. She will also be responsible for building relationships with the community and creating opportunities for audience engagement.

“I am excited to get started,” said Powers. “WRCT is already a leading cultural institution in our area, and I am committed to working with the community to make an even bigger impact.”

Powers was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids and said she has always had a desire to help people.

“I can still help people by doing something I love, so although this is quite the career shift, I have no doubt that I will be enriching other people’s lives,” she said. “I have loved the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre ever since I was a small child, and hope to bring the same enjoyment and feeling of family to all participants whether they are a patron or volunteer.”

In addition to theater, Powers’ interests include photography, music and spending time with her family, which includes two children who are falling in love with the arts as well.

 “My main goal is to make people of the Wisconsin Rapids community have the confidence to get involved with the theatre. Without them, we would not be a community theatre.”

For information on volunteering, visit wrctheatre.org.