Carmela Marner Steps Down
As Franklin Stage Director
FRANKLIN – Carmela Marner, the Franklin Stage executive and artistic director who started the theater company with her parents two decades ago, announced moments ago that she is stepping down this season.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to nurture young people in this precious environment, to collaborate with extraordinary artists, and to grow our far-reaching community,” she wrote in an email to the community. “For 20 seasons, there was nothing like looking down from the upstairs dressing room to see you all gathering below on the lawn and porch.”
She has served as the executive director for 11 of the theater’s 20 seasons and has performed in many of their shows, most recently, directing “We 3” last summer.
Tom Butts, board president and co-founder, has taken on management for the 21st season, which runs July 1-Labor Day weekend. Board member Patricia Buckley has partnered with Leslie Noble to plan the season, which includes, a staged reading of “The Government Inspector” and a full production of Arthur Miller’s “The Price.”
The FSC will also continue to host the Franklin Farmers’ Market and participate in community events such as the Stagecoach Run Art Festival in July.
“I hope you will continue to support FSC as it rediscovers itself in its third decade,” she wrote. “Thank you with all my heart.”