Seattle Musical Theatre's Artistic Director Roy Arauz Resigns

After seven months as Seattle Musical Theatre's Artistic Director, Roy Arauz has resigned his position. Arauz was voted into this volunteer position by the Seattle Musical Theatre Board of Directors in July of 2014 and saw the company through Man of La Mancha, The Rocky Horror Show, and Fiddler on the Roof, and was instrumental in assembling the production team for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, set to open in April 2015. During his tenure, he spearheaded and fundraised for a New Works Program at SMT, which will be a part of the 2015/2016 season. He is also the Founding Artistic Director of Arouet, a local company inspired by the work of Voltaire.

"This was a very tough decision, one that ultimately I feel is best for both parties," says Arauz. "My interest has always been, and continues to be, the success of Seattle Musical Theatre. I wish them much luck and look forward to seeing their productions for years to come."

"Roy helped usher in new directors, designers, and other artists to SMT and brought a wealth of marketing, design, and practical experience to the table," says Board President Mark Nihart. "SMT and the board would like to thank Roy for his guidance in this watershed season. We wish him well in his future endeavors with Arouet and beyond.

"SMT has been through some tough times, but this past year the tides are turning," says Nihart. "We started last season with significant debt for an organization of our size. We have reduced the debt by over 60% this season and SMT is on schedule to be debt free by the end of next season. We are so grateful to the tireless efforts of the many people in our community who believe in SMT's potential and want it to succeed."

Seattle Musical Theatre is currently looking for volunteers of all stripes to help with administration, marketing, and development, among others. Currently, SMT's volunteer staff consists of Ada Karamanyan, Casting Associate; Arin Larson, Costume Shop Manager; Lauren Marshall, New Works Program Director; and Brandon Peck, Associate Music Consultant. Anyone interested in volunteering to help run and shape the future of SMT is encouraged to email volunteer@seattlemusicaltheatre.org with her or his resume and/or skill set.

SMT's 37th season continues with SWEET CHARITY directed by Harry Turpin, music direction by Michael Nutting, playing February 13-March 1, 2015 and concludes with A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM directed by Vince Brady, music direction by Joel Kurzynski, playing April 10-26, 2015.

The mission of Seattle Musical Theatre is to engage and entertain the community by producing new and traditional musicals. The theater nurtures local talent by providing training and artistic development opportunities for children, youth, and adults from all walks of life. SMT's vision is to enrich the entertainment and educational value of live theater in the Northwest region; provide a premiere environment for nurturing artistic and technical talent; and develop the Magnuson Park theater facility as a key cultural resource for civic, arts, and other community organizations. SMT at all times will strive to demonstrate and inspire these values among the Board of Directors, staff, artists, volunteers, patrons, and donors.