Florence Little Theatre welcomes new executive director
From the Florence News Journal
Florence Little Theatre President Dan Abernathy is thrilled to introduce FLT’s new executive director, Leila Ibrahim, who joined the staff on Feb. 23. “After a nationwide search, we are excited to have Leila bring her experience and creativity to the FLT family,” commented Abernathy. “As we continue to raise the quality of our productions and programs, we are fortunate to have someone with Leila’s ability to raise the quality of the overall operations.We expect many changes over the next couple of years that will make the holistic experience of attending an event match the wonderful productions that FLT brings to life.” Born and raised outside Atlanta, Ga., Leila comes to Florence from Philadelphia where she attended graduate school and worked as box office manager for an arena. She has a masters degree in arts administration from Drexel University in Philadelphia and a BBA degree from Mercer University in Macon, Ga. All through her college years in Macon, she served as the assistant to the opera director at Mercer, working with students and their productions.
Although not a performer, Leila enjoyed working backstage with various productions. “I’ve done almost everything except perform,” she said. “I love the theatre and being a part of the process. Although I don’t have the talent to perform on stage, I can still support the performance.” Leila realized during her undergraduate studies that she could combine her love of theatre and working behind the scenes with a business degree. While a college student, she interned with the Grand Opera House in Macon and after graduation spent five years as fulltime staff. She served many roles with this 1,000-seat venue which hosts touring productions, including interim director.
Leila also has worked as a consultant with Tickets.com helping with training and box office conversion, so she has experience working on both sides of the box office. Her first goal at FLT is to the upgrade the ticketing software, she said. Leila said everyone she has met since moving to Florence has been very welcoming. “I feel part of the FLT family already.” She is impressed with the FLT’s gorgeous facility and long history of excellence in shows. “You are on par with the professional theatres I have worked with,” she commented. “I am excited to be here and excited to work with the volunteers, ticket holders, the board of directors, and to continue to produce excellent shows.” For more information about the Florence Little Theatre or to speak with Leila, you may contact her at 662-3731.