Franz Lehrbass is leaving the Royal and McPherson Theatres Society, where he has been the executive director since 2020. His last day on the job is July 31.
Lehrbass, who is from Strathroy, Ont., began his tenure just seven weeks before the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse, which the society operates. He replaced Lloyd Fitzsimonds, who retired in 2019 after 20 years in the position.
Mandy Niddrie, who has been with RMTS since 1991, will serve as interim executive director while the society board “undertakes a search to fill the position permanently,” according to a statement sent to the Times Colonist by board president Hazel Braithwaite.
The not-for-profit theatre receives approximately 15 per cent of its operating budget through municipal grants. The remainder comes from revenue generated by events at the two theatres, which are staffed by approximately 20 full-time and 208 part-time employees.
“The [board] thanks Franz for leading the organization through very challenging times and recognizes the significant contributions he made; most notably, improving relationships with performing arts clients and working collaboratively with municipal partners to update the bylaws and service agreements and engaging in community consultations,” the statement said.
In May 2023, Lehrbass was at the helm during the busiest month on record for the two venues, with 41,417 tickets issued for a combined 43 performances at the Royal Theatre (which opened in 1913) and McPherson Playhouse (1914).
“I am grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to learn and to work with so many wonderful people in supporting the performing arts and live entertainment in the Capital Regional District,” Lehrbass wrote in an e-mail to the Times Colonist.
He said he intends to take “a much-needed break” but will remain in the area with his family.
