The Granada Theatre Alliance will be starting a nationwide search for a new director next week after director Bryan Williams announced his resignation on social media Saturday.
Board of Directors President Christian Keisler tells KVOE News Williams will be missed.
Keisler’s comments came as part of a short statement Saturday. He did not take further questions but did say the search could begin in the next few days.
Williams, meanwhile, is declining a chance to elaborate on his statement posted Saturday morning on social media.
During his tenure, the Granada started bringing in well-known musicians and, to a lesser extent, comedians to perform. Many of those shows, especially those involving country musicians, sold out. The Granada also became known for showing popular movies from the past.
Noon Saturday: Granada director Bryan Williams resigns
Granada Theatre Director Bryan Williams has announced his resignation.
In a statement posted on social media, Williams says he has enjoyed his stay in Emporia and his family “was treated like we’ve lived here our entire lives.” However, he also said he was most comfortable as “the best No. 2 guy you can find,” later saying, “as much as I thought I could make a smooth transition from that No. 2 role into a No. 1 role at the Granada Theatre, it just hasn’t happened.”
Williams also said the theater deserves more than “someone just grinding it out everyday.”
Williams’ last day is Sept. 30. His statement did not list his future plans. KVOE News has reached out to Williams and to Granada Theatre Alliance Board President Christian Keisler seeking comment.
Williams came to Emporia in June 2012 after prior director Jessica Buchholz resigned to spend more time with her family.
Statement from Granada Theatre Director Bryan Williams
Six and a half years ago I walked through the doors of the most beautiful theatre I’ve ever seen. It was so beautiful I convinced my wife and six-month-old child that we should pack up our things, sell our house, and move to Emporia, KS.
From the moment we arrived in Emporia, we were treated like we’ve lived here our entire lives. Anyone who knows my wife knows she’s never met a stranger and can remember every detail about someone after only meeting them once. I on the other hand am extremely guarded and very slow to warm up to people. And if I’m lucky it only takes me five or six times to remember someone’s name.
There is nothing I love more in life than to simply entertain people, to give them an experience that can change their day, or just simply to make someone laugh or smile.
Conversely, there is nothing more challenging in life for me than to speak to a stranger, attempt to make small talk with someone, or go in front of a large group of people and speak.
I pride myself on being the best #2 guy you can find, behind the scenes grinding it out making sure everything happens. I love to be the guy behind the guy (or girl), that is where I’ve always excelled. As much as I thought I could make a smooth transition from that #2 role into a #1 role at the Granada Theatre, it just hasn’t happened.
The Emporia Granada Theatre deserves much more than someone just grinding it out everyday. The theatre along with their board of directors, sponsors, donors, customers, and employees deserve a much more polished, patient, and detail oriented Director.
In the best interests of all involved I have resigned my position as Executive Director of the Emporia Granada Theatre. My last day will be September 30th.
I sincerely, and whole heartedly apologize to everyone involved with the theatre, and in the community for not becoming the Director you deserved.
Statement from GTA Board of Directors President Christian Keisler
On behalf of the Granada Board, we wish Bryan the best in whatever he chooses to do next. He has brought us from a local draw to a regional draw. We have a lot of entertainment now looking at us whereas before it was us always searching for entertainment.
We will start a search soon on finding a new executive director.
