Dear EYT Kids and Families from 2011-2018,
I have often stated that my goal in creating EYT was to help develop actors with whom I could be proud to share the stage. Over the years I have watched EYT students grow into leaders with whom I am proud to share the world.
I had a difficult discussion with my oldest son last night. What do you do when what feels like the "right" thing also comes with a lot of potential negative consequences? Together, we decided I should stick up for what seems right to me.
Over the last several months, the artistic staff and some members of the Board of Directors have looked for ways to get their own ideas approved without following all of the theater's established rules. In some cases, they have worked really hard to look like they are following the rules while still making decisions that either aren't good for the theater or aren't respectful to the people involved. I have known about these examples but tried to stay quiet so I could still enjoy working with EYT. This weekend, these same Empress leaders tried to manipulate a respected director into making decisions that were not best for her show. When she refused to agree to the unreasonable demands, she was fired.
These recent events combined with similar situations over the recent months helped me finally find the courage to stand up and say that the Empress Theatre is no longer an organization I can be proud to work with. I do not know what exactly that means for EYT, but I am sure the theater will make an announcement at some point.
I hope you know that when I have said "Once EYT, always EYT," I meant it. Call me for audition help. Call me when you're locked out of your house and don't quite know what to do. Call me when life doesn't quite go the way you planned, and you need a safe place to address your mistakes. Call me when you get accepted into that awesome program, or meet that incredible person you're planning to go through life with. Ok... let's be real. Just message me. I don't usually answer phone calls. 
I have learned more from each of you than you will ever know.
