Lira Joins Community Theatre Staff

For the past year, Melanie Lira has been working for the Fayette County Community Theatre (FCCT) in the role of Production Operations Manager. This involved handling social media and advertising for FCCT productions, as well as managing Front of House and volunteers during those productions. In 2024, her role will expand to year-round oversight of all marketing and advertising, staffing the box office two of the four days per week it is open, and handling bookkeeping for the organization.

“Melanie did such an outstanding job last year on a show by show basis, and I knew as we expanded our programming, we needed to expand our staffing,” said Executive Director Heather Barthelme. “She is creative and talented, and we are so lucky to have her on staff.”

Heather Barthelme herself, a volunteer since the organization was founded, was hired during the fifth season in 2021 as Operations Manager, and due to sustained growth, she assumed the role of Executive Director the following year. The expansion of programming and tasks beyond the capacity of the volunteer board of directors necessitated these staffing changes.

Barthelme acknowledged the hard work of the board of directors and volunteers but highlighted the increasing demands with a box office open four days a week, online presence management, bill processing, donation handling, and an unprecedented number of productions and workshops in 2024. The decision to bring on more staff reflects the commitment to effectively manage the organization’s operations and continued success.

“Being able to hold a position that combines my passion for theater and my past experience in nonprofit management is a blessing,” Lira said. “I hope to encourage more Fayette County residents to participate in our community theater in any way possible.” For more information on how to become more involved visit faycotheatre.com.