The Emporia Granada Theatre and Director Rebeca Herrera have parted ways.
Granada Board President Mike Helbert says the decision comes with opportunities developing for bookings and other events.
Herrera, meanwhile, says the decision is bittersweet but the theater “will always have a piece of my heart.” She also credited several achievements during her time at the Granada, including recent mentions of the theater as a top entertainment and wedding venue in Kansas, staying open during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic and giving the theater financial stability. She wished the theater well and thanked Emporia-area residents for “accepting me into your wonderful community.” She declined a taped interview with KVOE News.
Herrera led the Granada since 2019, initially serving as interim director after 10-month tenure of Aden Lindholm before being named as permanent director at the end of 2019.
The Granada is starting a nationwide search for Herrera’s replacement in the next few weeks.
12:40 pm Friday: Emporia Granada parts ways with director
A news release from Granada Board President Mike Helbert did not specify reasons behind the separation other than to say there are “emerging opportunities for increased bookings and events” and the board has decided to seek new management. Stacy Schneider, the current administrative assistant, is now serving as interim director to manage the theater’s day-to-day business while the board begins a nationwide search over the next few weeks.
“The Granada looks forward to the community supporting our efforts to bring quality entertainment to the greater Emporia area,” Helbert said in a statement to KVOE News. He declined a taped interview following the release.
As the Granada board looks for a new director, it’s also getting ready for several upcoming concerts, including Red Hot Chili Pipers on Sept. 16.
News release from Granada Theatre Board President Mike Helbert
In anticipation of emerging opportunities for increased bookings and events, the Granada Board of Directors has elected to seek new management for the organization. Over the coming weeks the Board will be soliciting applicants for the position of Director of the Theatre. Stacey Schneider will serve as interim Director of the Theatre to manage the day-to-day business of the theatre while a national search for the Directorship takes place. “WE have a number of incredible entertainers scheduled to appear at the Granada in the coming months” said Mike Helbert, Board President, “The Granada looks forward to the community supporting our efforts to bring quality entertainment to the greater Emporia area.”
Statement from former Emporia Granada Theatre director Rebeca Herrera
It’s a bittersweet feeling closing this chapter of my life. The Granada will always have a piece of my heart. Achieving to making it on Top 5 live entertainment venues in KS, getting awarded most intimate wedding venue for 2022, staying open through the pandemic, and giving the Granada financial stability has made it worth all of the long hours and chaos. I wish the Granada well and hope nothing but the best.
Thank you to the patrons of Emporia for accepting me into your wonderful community. I am very excited about my new endeavors and what lies ahead.
