By Mary Frances Taylor
“There is a role for everyone to play at The Old Theater.”
This is Carla Fisher’s favorite quote and her personal belief that all people have gifts, talents, and time that can be shared with their community. The Board of Directors and the community at large are grateful that Carla has shared hers with us. We are sad to announce that she is giving up her role as President of the Old Theater Corporation. The pull of family is strong, and she has succumbed to their urgent longing to see her back home in Pennsylvania. Her role in the leadership of our small community theater cannot be overstated. She has been our heart and inspiration as she has demonstrated commitment and dedication in her work for the theater and we trust that she will forge new meaningful relationships in her new home and will continue to create and share her art with the world. Although her role as president is ending, her character, performances, and work ethics continue to inspire.
It was nearly two years ago when Carla Fisher first brought to us a love for the arts, a keen business acumen, and a holistic approach for effective leadership. She was owner and founder of ArtWorks Oriental – the studio for working artists in our local community. She is an artist in fiber art, big metal sculpture, and glassblowing. Carla worked as resident artist at the Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia, PA, before moving to Oriental and she received the prestigious international DaVinci Award presented to her in Florence, Italy for her innovation, professionalism, and contributions to the art community. Carla has been involved in local community affairs in Oriental and served on the Tourism Board and the Board of Directors for the Pamlico County Arts Council.
Her background inbusiness began at Columbia University and University of Missouri. She earned a degree in finance with minors in accounting and business law. She began a 25-year career with Merrill Lynch where she worked as a stockbroker, branch manager, and district sales manager. Carla brought to the theater a distinctive set of skills that combined her love of the arts with successful business management, both valuable assets to The Old Theater. In her term as President, Carla strategically formed alliances with schools, organizations, and businesses as well as other theater groups, to publicly promote The Old Theater’s reach and awareness throughout the region. Yes, she is exiting the stage because it is right on cue for her at this time in her life, but we know that she will continue to perform and win awards in her artistic endeavors. Her friendships and contributions to The Old Theater will be missed beyond measure.
The Board of Directors chose Patrick Nocera, the theater’s Production Manager, as interim President until a new president can be selected. January is one of our busiest months with the second annual 48 Hour Film Festival kickoff at 5:00 PM on the 19 th and the Old Theater Corporation’s Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday, the 21 st at 3:00 PM. At this meeting, current members will hear a wrap up of the year past and plans for the year ahead. The process for selection of a new president will be addressed and a full financial report will be given. Anyone in the community who wishes to become a member of The Old Theater may also attend this meeting. Applications will be provided and processed before the meeting. Refreshments will be served. The Old Theater is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are always appreciated. For more information, contact (252)249-0477 or The Old Theater, P.O. Box 521, 609 Broad St, Oriental, NC 28571.
