Wayne Theatre Announces Leadership Transition and Recognizes Tracy Straight’s Two-Plus Decades of Service

WAYNESBORO, Va. – The Wayne Theatre Alliance’s Board of Directors has announced that Tracy Straight has concluded her tenure as executive director following more than 20 years of leadership, advocacy, and service to the organization and the Waynesboro community.

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.

Matherly added, “We are grateful for Tracy’s years of service and the lasting contributions she has made to the organization. We wish Tracy every success in her future endeavors.”

“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.”

About the Wayne Theatre

The Wayne Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts organization located in downtown Waynesboro, Virginia. The organization presents live theatre, music, film, educational programs, touring productions, and events for audiences of all ages.

The restored historic theatre also serves as a venue for artists, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community partners. Through its performances, educational initiatives, and outreach programs, the Wayne Theatre supports access to the arts and contributes to the cultural and economic life of Waynesboro and the surrounding region.

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