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Lakeland Community Theatre’s (LCT) board of directors has confirmed that it did not renew the contract of Alan Reynolds, who has served as the organization’s artistic managing director since 2009. Maureen McGowan, who previously ran the theater’s education programming for more than a decade, has stepped in as interim producing director for LCT’s 41st season.
The board declined to explain its decision. But according to advisory board member Tammy Serebrin, the departure took effect around the end of July, and advisory board members were notified in a letter dated August 4.
“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 added that they had hoped to meet with Reynolds to discuss the transition, but that he declined. “We remain happy to meet with him,” the statement said.
Reynolds declined to comment for this story.
Reynolds’ 17 years at LCT
A Lakeland native with more than 40 years of experience in theater, film, and television, Reynolds became LCT’s artistic managing director in 2009. According to a biography published by Polk Arts, which inducted him into its Arts & Culture Hall of Fame in 2025, he has directed more than 120 productions throughout his career, including School of Rock, Chicago, and Sweeney Todd, and performed in more than 80 roles.
Reynolds received 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, Reynolds founded Out of the Box, LCT’s program for actors with developmental disabilities. He later established a scholarship fund named for Paul Hughes, founder of theater programs at Harrison School of the Arts and All Saints Academy and member of the Polk Arts Hall of Fame who died at 63 in 2019.
McGowan returns to lead through transition
Reynolds hired McGowan in 2010. She served as LCT’s Education Director and led Out of the Box until early 2023, when she left to focus on her family after the birth of her third child.
“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 is not running the theater alone. A business director, education director, technical director, assistant technical director, and an office and production assistant, who also serves as volunteer coordinator, round out the staff, McGowan said.
Season 41 expands programming
Despite the leadership transition, LCT’s Main Stage lineup is unchanged: 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 season includes Pinkalicious, Trolls, and Shrek Jr.
McGowan said the theater is adding opening night red carpet events this season, with decor, photo opportunities, and a themed mocktail. The first is set for Company’s opening 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 runs two weekly classes and two performances a year. This season’s performances are scheduled for November 20 and 21.
The board is also introducing a “Heart of LCT” volunteer recognition award for each production and planning a new event this fall for backstage and front-of-house crews.
What’s next
The LCT board has not said why it chose not to renew Reynolds’ contract, whether the two sides will meet to discuss the transition, or how long McGowan will serve in an interim capacity before a permanent search begins.
LCT opens its 41st season with Company on September 11.
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