Columbus to step down from Orlando Rep in summer
Gene Columbus will retire as executive director of Orlando Repertory Theatre this summer.
The Rep, which specializes in professional theater for children and young adults, on Monday evening confirmed the news, which had quietly been circulating on social media for several days.
“As you can imagine, my feelings are bittersweet, but I know Orlando Rep will be in good hands after my departure,” Columbus said in the theater’s announcement.
Columbus, 78, spent 11 years at the helm of the theater after a long career with Disney.
“In February 2008, I retired (for the first time!) from a wonderful 38-year career with the Walt Disney World Company to join the team at Orlando Repertory Theatre,” Columbus said. “I promised to stay with Orlando Rep for a minimum of five years — but I fell in love with the place and stayed another six years. My time at Orlando Rep has been the most rewarding in my career.”
Colleagues sung his praises in the announcement.
“Gene helped build a firm foundation and a wonderful workplace culture at the Orlando REP, and we are excited to carry that momentum forward,” said Kirtus Bocox, chairman of the board.
“I have absolutely adored the time that I got to have with Gene Columbus as our executive director,” added artistic director Jeff Revels. “Gene has left his indelible mark on this institutional legacy.”
The announcement did not indicate a specific date for Columbus to step down, but the theater already is searching for a new executive director. That hiring call is what prompted social-media chatter about the impending retirement.
In his statement, Columbus said he would continue “to help, support, engage, guide, teach, write, speak, and lots more for our community.”
“I have no plans on stopping now,” he said, “and am so excited for all the things still out there for me to do.”