Casa Mañana Announces Leadership Transition

    (Fort Worth, TX)…Casa Mañana’s Board of Directors Chair Teresa Hubbard announced today that Denton Yockey will conclude his tenure as President and Executive Producer at the end of his current employment contract on Sunday, August 31, 2008. Mr. Yockey has accepted the position of President and Executive Producer for Starlight Theatre Association in Kansas City, Missouri, effective September 1, 2008. Mr. Yockey replaces Bob Rohlf, who is retiring after 28 years of service to the Starlight Theatre Association.

    “Denton has done an outstanding job for Casa Manana and his tenure includes many artistic, organizational, and financial accomplishments. Though we would have been delighted for him to continue here, we are happy for Denton and his family,” stated Mrs. Hubbard. “We wish him the best of luck in this new opportunity and look forward to celebrating our 50th Anniversary this summer under his leadership.”

    “I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have led such a prestigious organization as Casa Mañana,” states Mr. Yockey. “I look forward to this summer’s historic milestone, our series of celebration events, and then to a smooth transition that ensures Casa Mañana’s success for the next 50 years and beyond.”

    Mr. Yockey joined Casa Mañana as Executive Producer on September 29, 1997, one of only four individuals to have led the organization since its 1958 rebirth as a Fort Worth cultural icon. His predecessors include Melvin O. Dacus, Clarence “Bud” Franks, and Van Kaplan. Mr. Yockey’s title changed to President and Executive Producer when the Board of Directors adopted the title of Chairman for its highest volunteer leadership position.
“My experience with and for Casa Mañana has been fulfilling professionally, artistically, and personally,” said Mr. Yockey, “and will provide immeasurable impact for future endeavors. I am humbled by the commitment and dedication of artists, staff, board, and volunteers of this organization and will carry fond memories to this next stage of what has been a rich and rewarding career thus far.”

    The Executive Committee for Casa Mañana’s Board of Directors has established a search committee, has contacted several national recruiters, and has already begun the process of identifying and recruiting the next President and Executive Producer.

    “The search committee hopes to have a new President and Executive Producer in place before the end of Denton’s tenure,” said Mrs. Hubbard.

    The 50th anniversary season will continue Casa Mañana’s dedication to excellence with numerous events on the calendar, such as the 8th Annual Betty Lynn Buckley Awards Ceremony on May 22 at Casa Mañana Theatre; Casa Mañana’s 50th Birthday Party on July 5 at Casa Mañana Theatre; and the Annual “Laugh With A Legend” Gala on August 23 at Casa Mañana Theatre.

    Casa Mañana will celebrate its 50th Anniversary this summer with productions that include The Fantasticks starring Lorenzo Lamas, June 3 – 8 at Casa Mañana Theatre; the Broadway national tour of Monty Python’s Spamalot, June 24 – 29 at the Bass Performance Hall; the Broadway national tour and North Texas premiere of Avenue Q, July 8 – 13 at the Bass Performance Hall; Damn Yankees starring Lou Diamond Phillips, August 12 – 17 at Casa Mañana Theatre; the Broadway national tour of Mamma Mia!, September 9 – 14 at the Bass Performance Hall; and the return of Joe Sears and Jaston Williams in Tuna Does Vegas, October 21 – 26 at the Bass Performance Hall.

    For more information on upcoming shows and the 50th Anniversary Celebration, visit the Casa Mañana box office at 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, 76107 or call 817-332-2272. For more information, log on to www.casamanana.org.