Ginger Poole Leaving Mill Mountain Theatre

 I am truly sad to see Ginger Poole leave Mill Mountain Theatre as its artistic director. She and I have worked together for quite a few years trying to let people know what a treasure MMT and Ginger are for the entire region. 

I am fond of her both personally and professionally and have appreciated the professionalism and the creativity she has brought to the position for years. Hers is a significant loss, but if she remains in the Roanoke Valley, we will all be richer for her presence.

Here is MMT's press release:

After a remarkable tenure with Mill Mountain Theatre, Ginger Poole will take her final bow as producing artistic director during the 60th anniversary season. 

With an impressive season of productions planned in 2024, combined with the theatre's vibrancy, Poole says this is the time to begin searching for her replacement. 

"I came to Roanoke 18 years ago as an acor and was asked back to perform and choreograph in the MainStage seasons," she says. "This turned into an opportunity to join MMT as its director of education. Little did I know how much that experience would forever change my life. This theatre became my home and the place that I made my life. While leaving my role here is truly bittersweet, MMT remains part of who I am."

During her tenure, Poole has had to revive the theatre twice. In 2009, Poole reinvigorated the theatre after it stopped producing due to financial struggles. Poole continued to keep the doors open with classes and a holiday show once a year for four years and was the only fulltime employee. 

Covid-19 put Mill Mountain Theatre in another precarious situation in 2020. Poole navigated the theatre through post-pandemic struggles and once again revitalized the theatre to its present day health. 

"The theatre has thrived under Ginger's leadership," says past president Cynthia Lawrence. "She balances artistic excellence with fiscal responsibility and approaches every decision with the long-term sustainability of Mill Mountain top of mind. While we are saddened by her departure, we are grateful to her and support her decision wholeheartedly. We will conduct a thorough national search and will be thoughtful about who we choose as her successor."

Says Bill Lee, board president of MMT, "Ginger gave this theatre life in times when it would have been easier to simply close the doors. She had a vision and worked effortlessly to ensure that her vision became a reality. We've all benefitted from here perseverance. She will leave behind enormous shoes to fill."

Poole has been in the industry for 35 years (working for years at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina and as an Atlanta Falcons cheerleader and choreographer) and says she is excited to explore other opportunities within the community, while continuing to support the artistic and cultural growth in Roanoke.

The search committee, with which Poole will work until she is replaced, includes Nancy Agee, Jack Avis (Poole's husband), N.L. Bishop, Nancy Gray, Lawrence (who will be chairwoman) and Macel Janoschka. The committee will search nationally.