Players by the Sea recently welcomed C. Suzanne Hudson-Smith as its new executive director.
Hudson-Smith is known for her visionary leadership, community advocacy and for her passion for theater. She wants everyone to experience the excitement and power of live community theater.
“I love the community theater philosophy – that it is open to everyone, the educational aspect and that it brings people together to create art,” Hudson-Smith said. “Community theater is filled with incredible people with great talent. It attract a wide range of folks who want to learn more.”
In her new role, which officially begins June 1, Hudson-Smith will oversee both the artistic and business aspects of the organization and its strategic growth. Players by the Sea is entering its 53rd season.
“The theater attracts wonderful talent,” Hudson-Smith said. “I want to keep Players thriving financially and take it to another level.”
Most recently Hudson-Smith was development director of the Florida Theatre. Before that she was executive director of the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation. Hudson-Smith studied theater performance and management at Texas State University. She has been involved in professional and community theater companies from Texas to Sarasota. Her career path led her to significant experience in development and fundraising.
“The opportunity to work with Players by the Sea fits right in,” she said. “The opportunity to serve as its executive director was hard to resist.”
Hudson-Smith is enthusiastic about all Players has to offer. The facility has two separate theaters – a main stage and an intimate studio theater as well as a gallery space. In addition to attracting talent, Players has an energetic staff, a dedicated board of directors and passionate patrons and donors. She wants to develop new programs at the theater that are relevant to Northeast Florida and build stronger relationship with the community.
“With the fiscal year coming up, in addition to grant funding I am going to be looking at programming to impact the community,” Hudson-Smith said. “It would be nice to expand our footprint outside of the facility – whether it’s an arts education workshop or pop up performances. I’m looking at how we can connect with the community and do more.”
Players by the Sea is hosting a meet and greet reception to welcome Hudson-Smith on Tuesday, June 19, at 6 p.m., prior to the theater’s annual meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.playersbythesea.org.
