New Faces On Board

Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2016/11 - November

In recent years the Highlands Playhouse season has expanded from just summers to year-round.  Overseeing the playhouse is a board of directors, comprised of men and women who give selflessly of their time and energy.  The board works directly with the small staff as they strive to provide the highest quality of live theatre and movies throughout the year.

A new face on the Playhouse Board is Doug Aldridge.  As an Atlanta native, Doug and his wife Mopsy have enjoyed a home in Highlands for two decades.  During that time, they have developed a strong tie to the playhouse and ardently support its mission.  Throughout the years Doug has served on numerous boards in the Atlanta area including the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation.

A simple comment to Playhouse Executive Director Ginger Moseley that, “I would like to help the playhouse” quickly evolved into Doug being asked to join the board.  

Ginger comments, “The more I learned about Doug and saw his enthusiasm, the more I knew that his passion for high quality theatre would benefit the playhouse.  His degree in finance from the University of Georgia and his business acumen will be great assets to the board.”

Also on the board is Steve Sheppard.  Over many summers, Steve enjoyed the offerings of the playhouse, so it’s not surprising that upon his retirement he volunteered there.  

His love of live theatre drew him to support the playhouse.  Now as board treasurer, he looks forward to helping the theatre continue its hallowed traditions. 

“Few people realize how expensive it is to offer quality cultural experiences,” Steve says.  “Our historic building requires ongoing maintenance and the cost of production climbs each year, so we have to be diligent in identifying funding sources.” 

New 2017 Board President Ken Proctor is excited to work with fellow board members to expand its financial stability.  Having recently retired, Ken wanted to get involved in the community.  With a friend on the board and as a long-time audience member at the playhouse, Ken felt that his experience and passion could benefit the theatre.

“We want everyone to realize what a true asset the playhouse is,” Ken says.  “We go to great lengths to offer true professional-quality, live theatre performances for the Highlands-Cashiers community.  Our first-run movies are the perfect prescription to brighten those cold, bleak winter days.  I am honored to help the playhouse continue its hallowed tradition.”

These three new faces join a strong stable of talent and energy that we will be introducing to you over the next couple of issues.  Under their leadership, the playhouse hopes to step up their offerings of education and professional-level entertainment in the theatrical arts.  

Come support the playhouse.  See you at the theatre!