State Theatre starts new season lineup with new executive director
Amanda Steen/Herald-Standard
Erica Miller, the executive director of the State Theatre Center for the Arts, poses for a photo inside the theater.
Amanda Steen/Herald-Standard
ON THE COVER: Erica Miller, who served as the interim executive director of the State Theatre Center for the Arts, has recently been named the permanent executive director of the theater.
Fresh out of college about 16 years ago, Erica Miller’s love for theater drew her through the State Theatre Center for the Arts’ doors looking to help.
“I got the position (as a crew member), and I worked my way up to where I am now,” she said.
It wasn’t long before Miller, of North Union Township, was moved into the position as production coordinator where she worked until the fall of 2012 when she was named interim executive director.
In August, Miller was on the move again at the theater when board members voted to name her the theater’s permanent executive director.
“She is a hard worker and has definitely proven herself as worthy to be the best selection for executive director,” said Lauren Mahoney-Yohman, the State Theatre’s board treasurer. “We have confidence that she’ll move the theater forward.”
Mahoney-Yohman said Miller’s enthusiasm for her job, combined with her extensive background in theater, will greatly benefit the State.
“We selected Erika not only because of her extensive background in theater, but also because of her enthusiasm, “she said. “I feel she’ll do an excellent job representing the theater.”
Robin Seamans, president of the board of directors, said in addition to Miller’s impressive work ethic, there were many other qualities that made her perfect for the position.
“She demonstrates strong leadership qualities, and she is a good public speaker,” Seamans said.
Miller said although she has been a part of the theater for many years, she was honored to be voted in as executive director.
“I recognize the theater as a very important landmark for our community,” Miller said.
“To me, it’s important that the community understands this is their theater.”
Miller said she plans to continue to promote a full season lineup as well as the theater’s monthly classic film series that has been gaining in popularity.
She said she also has some other ideas as she moves forward in her position including scheduling more performances that would appeal to younger audiences.
She said she would also like to further enhance the theater’s relationship with the surrounding community.
“People coming to the theater may also visit local restaurants and other businesses,” she said. “The theater is a way of building a sense of community. By having people come here serves not only us, but I believe we have an economic impact on the downtown area as a whole.”