Little Lake Theatre Company's Sunny Disney And Robert Fitchett To Retire As Artistic Director And Managing Director In June 2015

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Little Lake Theatre Company (www.littlelake.org) announces that, after 22 years as the stewards of the theater company, Sunny Disney and her husband, Robert Fitchett, will retire as the Artistic and Managing Directors in June 2015. Before moving to Rob's native state of California, the Fitchetts will assist the Board of Directors in the selection of new personnel and stay with the company until the 2015 season is underway to assure a smooth transition in leadership and operations. 

"Rob and I came on board when my father retired in 1993," Sunny Disney Fitchett said. "We understand that the core strength of this company is in the community of actors, directors, designers, apprentices, staff, volunteers, Board and audience who participate in and support the work. Little Lake Theatre Company has made an energetic and successful transition from a family-run endeavor to a community-supported and governed 501 c 3 arts organization. We're looking forward to enjoying its continued growth and enrichment."

Little Lake Theatre was founded in 1949 by Will Disney, Sunny's father. Throughout its rich 66-year history, Disney family members, starting with Will's mother, Edith, and including Will's son, David, have guided the company's development. Plays were originally presented in a barn on the property, and operated as a straw-hat theater from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It was Will Disney's idea to introduce the innovative, theater-in-the-round format of staging to Pittsburgh-area audiences, and this staging still provides Little Lake audiences with engaging, intimate storytelling.

Since Sunny and Rob Fitchett have served at the helm, the May-December programming has expanded to the presentation of 11 mainstage plays annually; five performances a week of three plays for young audiences in the 12-week-long Looking Glass Theatre summer season; two fall family matinee presentations; Theatre Arts Summer Camp for students, grades 4-12; adult acting classes and a technical theater training class; an apprentice program for young adults; and an educational touring company that performs in schools throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

"Together, Sunny Disney and Rob Fitchett have transformed our theater during their tenure, and their accomplishments cannot be overstated," said Kevin Gallagher, President of the Little Lake Board of Directors. "They deservedly will be long-remembered for taking Will Disney's vision and evolving it to emerge as one of the region's most successful and beloved theater companies. We'll always be grateful to Sunny and Rob for their leadership, compelling vision, and for fostering a culture of teamwork that will continue to serve the theater for decades to come. The Board has unanimously agreed that continuing Little Lake's mission, developing the next generation of leaders and ensuring an orderly succession are our highest priorities."

The Little Lake Theatre Company Board of Directors includes Bruce Crocker, Tracy DeCock, Art DeConciliis, Jerry Fulmer, Kevin Gallagher, Jennifer Kopach, Ronald Luniewski, Robert Rak, and Richard Rauh. For more information, please contact The Little Lake Theatre Company at 724.725.6300 or visit www.littlelake.org.

SOURCE Little Lake Theatre Company