Wayne Theatre Names Tracy Straight Executive Director Emerita
The Wayne Theatre Alliance’s Board of Directors hasannounced that it has named Tracy Straight as Executive Director Emerita in recognition of her more than 20 years of dedicated leadership and service to the historic theatre and the greater Waynesboro community. During her tenure, Tracy has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Wayne Theatre as one of the Shenandoah Valley's premier performing arts destinations. Through her vision, commitment, and tireless advocacy for the arts, she has helped guide the organization through periods of growth, change, and opportunity while ensuring the theatre remained a vibrant cultural center for residents and visitors alike. Tracy is considered one of the true founders of the Wayne Theatre.
Tracy’s involvement with the Wayne Theatre began well before she became executive director. As an early advocate for the preservation and restoration of the historic theatre, she was among the founders and longest-serving leaders of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. Tracy’s efforts included serving as a board member, playing a pivotal role in opening The Gateway as an interim performance venue, and providing leadership during the renovation and reopening of the Wayne Theatre.
Tracy has led the organization since 2016. During that time, the Wayne expanded its performances, educational programming, community partnerships, and regional presence while continuing to preserve and operate the historic theatre in downtown Waynesboro. Her work brought together staff, volunteers, donors, artists, patrons, community leaders, and business partners in support of the Wayne Theatre’s programs and long-term development. Tracy also represented the organization nationally through her service on the board of the League of Historic American Theatres.
“Tracy’s history with the Wayne spans nearly every stage of the organization’s development, from the early work of the Wayne Theatre Alliance and the opening of The Gateway, to the restoration of the historic theatre and its operation over the past decade,” said Andy Matherly, chair of the Wayne Theatre Board of Directors. “It has been a privilege to watch Tracy help the Wayne Theatre grow into the performing arts organization it is today. The Board recognizes the dedication, commitment, and personal sacrifices she has made to help turn the Wayne Theatre into a vibrant performing arts center that serves not only the Waynesboro community but audiences throughout the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.”
Andy added, “We are grateful for Tracy’s years of service and the lasting contributions she has made to the organization.”
“Serving the Wayne Theatre for more than twenty years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Tracy. “I am deeply grateful to the countless volunteers, donors, staff, artists, patrons, and community partners who believed in the vision of bringing this historic theatre back to life and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. I am especially thankful to my family for their unwavering love, encouragement, and countless sacrifices throughout this journey. Having the opportunity to help lead the Wayne Theatre from a community vision to the thriving performing arts organization that it is today has been an extraordinary honor, and I will always be proud of what we accomplished together. As I begin a new chapter, I do so with gratitude for the relationships, memories, and experiences that will always remain close to my heart.”
Tracy added, “I am honored by the Board of Directors naming me a Founder of the theatre and Executive Director Emerita.” The Board of Directors will be celebrating Tracy’s contributions and service to the theatre later this year.
