Ensemble Theatre's director to step down

12/23/05

By TOM JACOBS

NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER

For the third time this year, the Ensemble Theatre Company is losing its executive director.

Tifanie McQueen, who assumed the position in August, announced Thursday she is leaving the company. She said her husband, who is in the computer software industry, has accepted a new position outside the area.

"I've been working closely with the staff and the board to make sure my departure has as minimal an impact as possible," she said. "In the interim, I have distributed my duties among the staff. (Longtime artistic director) Robert Grande-Weiss will be at the helm.

"Everyone has been incredibly supportive," she added. "The interaction between the board and staff is better than I have ever seen it. They have the leisure to conduct a good search, because everything is taken care of in terms of day-to-day operations."

The theater company's turbulent year began with the abrupt departure in February of executive director Albert Ihde, who went on to form his own professional company, Santa Barbara Theatre. He was replaced on an interim basis by George Gelles, who left over the summer to devote his time to writing and music.

"We've learned to roll with the punches here," Ms. McQueen said.

Ms. McQueen joined the company in the fall of 2004 as box office manager and bookkeeper. "I hate to leave," she said. "We have some exciting programs in the works. I wish I could be here to be a part of them."

Her last day is Wednesday.