Managing Director PJ Albert to Resign

After 18 years with Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF, PJ Albert has announced that he will be resigning from his position as Managing Director. He began his career with Orlando Shakes as the Master Electrician, and moved on to several roles including Production Manager, Guest Services Director, Business Manager, General Manager, and, for the last 6 years, Managing Director of the company. During his tenure, he has led multiple special projects for the organization including the construction of the Lester & Sonia Mandell Studio Theater and the Frank Santos & Dan Dantin Studio Theater, the renovation of Harriett’s Bar, a program to provide a set of Magic Tree House books to every 3rd grade student in Orange County Public Schools, and established live video streaming of performances for students throughout the State of Florida.

“PJ’s immense dedication to the organization has allowed the company to flourish and set an example of outstanding quality in the theater community,” says Rita Lowndes, Board Chair. “Through his leadership, he’s fostered the theater’s growth as a cultural beacon for Central Florida.”

Under PJ’s leadership, Orlando Shakes expanded their number of season subscribers by 24%, increased ticket revenue by 112% and attendance to over 70,000 tickets per year, established a 90-day cash reserve, and added to their endowment and capital reserves. PJ also established a long series of surplus budget seasons and grew the annual operating budget from $2.4 million to over $3.8 million per year.

After accomplishing so many of the goals of the company with Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, the staff, and the board, PJ feels it is time to seek new adventures. Although he has not settled on a position, the whole staff wishes him best of luck in his future endeavors.

“Although we can never replace PJ, we look forward to building on the foundation he’s set and making him proud as we move forward,” says Board President Andrea Massey-Farrell.

An announcement of our incoming Managing Director will be made at a later date.