Lakeland Community Theatre Names Interim Leader as 17-Year Director Alan Reynolds Departs

Lakeland Community Theatre's board of directors has confirmed it did not renew the contract of Alan Reynolds, who has led the organization as artistic managing director since 2009. Maureen McGowan, who spent more than a decade running the theater's education programming, has stepped in as interim producing director to guide the community playhouse through its 41st season.

Reynolds' departure took effect around the end of July, according to advisory board member Tammy Serebrin, and advisory board members were notified in a letter dated August 4. The board has not said why his contract wasn't renewed.

"We don't feel it's right to share further details about the departure of anyone on our team, whether it's a staff member or a volunteer helping with concessions," the board said in a statement. Board members said they had hoped to meet with Reynolds to discuss the transition but that he declined, adding they remain open to that conversation. Reynolds did not comment on the matter.

A 17-year run on Lakeland's stages

Reynolds, a Lakeland native with more than four decades in theater, film and television, took over as artistic managing director in 2009. He has directed more than 120 productions during his career, including "School of Rock," "Chicago" and "Sweeney Todd," and performed in more than 80 roles. Polk Arts inducted him into its Arts & Culture Hall of Fame in 2025.

He picked up a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival award for direction in 2010 and three BroadwayWorld Orlando Regional Awards for scenic design between 2014 and 2016. In 2011, he founded Out of the Box, LCT's program for actors with developmental disabilities, and later created a scholarship fund honoring Paul Hughes, the late founder of theater programs at Harrison School of the Arts and All Saints Academy.

McGowan steps back in

McGowan was hired by Reynolds in 2010 and served as the theater's education director, leading Out of the Box until early 2023, when she left to focus on her family after her third child was born.

"Alan hired me in 2010 at Lakeland Community Theatre, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities he has given me," McGowan said. "When I was approached to step into this interim position, I know the theater was supported by this vibrant community, and I plan to serve and support them however possible."

McGowan said she isn't running the theater alone. A business director, education director, technical director, assistant technical director, and an office and production assistant who also coordinates volunteers round out the staff.

Season 41 moves ahead

The Main Stage lineup hasn't changed despite the leadership shuffle. This season includes "Company," "Misery," Disney's "Frozen," "Finding Neverland," "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" and Disney's "The Little Mermaid." The Theatre for Youth slate includes "Pinkalicious," "Trolls" and "Shrek Jr." McGowan said the theater is adding opening-night red carpet events this season, complete with decor, photo opportunities and a themed mocktail. The first lands with "Company's" opening night on September 11.

LCT now offers eight after-school classes, including a new "Mommy & Me" class for young performers, and is working to relaunch a troupe for senior actors. Out of the Box, the program Reynolds founded for actors with developmental disabilities, continues with two weekly classes and two performances scheduled for November 20 and 21.

The board is also rolling out a "Heart of LCT" volunteer recognition award tied to each production and planning a new fall event to thank backstage and front-of-house crews.

The board has not said how long McGowan will serve in an interim role before a permanent search begins, or whether it plans to meet with Reynolds about the transition. For now, ticket holders can expect the season to open on schedule, with "Company" taking the stage September 11.

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