Mary Kay Voss, vice president of The Driftwood Players Board of Directors, has been removed from her post following formal complaints received by the board, according to a letter sent by Carissa Meisner Smit,
 Driftwood Board president.

Members of The Driftwood Players (The Players) were informed of the Board action in a letter, dated Oct. 1, 2014, explaining the circumstances of Voss’ resignation, which was sought by the board “after much debate and consideration . . .”

According to the letter: “The Board determined that the relationship between Mary Kay Voss and the membership was too badly damaged for her to continue in her role as Vice President, and that this damage would continue to extend to other aspects of Board and membership relations.”

In her letter to theater members, Smit acknowledged that in spite of the board’s “personal care and respect for Mary Kay, [her resignation] was necessary for the good of the organization.”

The Players’ board is comprised of four officers and four at-large members with Smit serving as president; Nikki Fey-Burgett as secretary and Kathleen Huston as treasurer, plus the vice president’s position, which is now open.

Reached for comment, Voss said: “I totally support the board . . . my only regret is that the (grievances) weren’t put to a vote of the full membership.” Voss explained that an action to remove a board member would have required passage by two/thirds of the voting body. She also indicated that the complaints lodged against her were based on personality conflicts that might have been aired in mediation, and easily resolved early on.”

Voss said that she plans to stay involved in Driftwood Players, and promises that after completing a planned Mediterranean cruise she will audition for upcoming parts.

Smit further explained in an interview with My Edmonds News that the Players are also currently accepting applications for the position of part-time managing director. [The successful candidate] will be a major presence in the Edmonds business and arts community,” Smit said. “As the public face of the theater, the managing director will provide dynamic leadership in driving ticket sales and attracting donors.”

The Players will be conducting their search through local business channels, Theater Puget Sound, area theaters, Snohomish and King County Arts Councils, and several university alumni offices. They are seeking a candidate who is experienced in arts management, fundraising, and marketing.

Smit had this to say of the changes that the well-established theatre company is experiencing: “At 56 years old, Edmonds Driftwood Players is going through a major reorganization. With over a dozen programs, including five main stage productions; four alternative-stage productions, two popular summer youth programs, and other special performances each year, [we] have outgrown [our] tiny organizational structure.”

Asked what the community might expect from The Driftwood Players, Smit responded: “Change is hard. Board members and other volunteers have been working long and hard hours to keep up with all of the program and administrative demands. We are so proud of what we offer to the community but we admit that we need help, especially with marketing and fundraising. We have been on the right track but there is so much more to do.”

In the meantime, Smit states that the intention of The Driftwood Players is to, “Keep our focus on our mission, which is “to foster excellence in live theater for the enrichment of our community and the benefit of future generations.

“In order to do any of those things — produce an excellent theater experience, enrich our community through our volunteer opportunities, or to grow and educate young performers and patrons — we need to be on solid financial footing,” she said. “It’s as simple as that. It is our hope that the ideal candidate will be able to build on the momentum of what we’ve begun and really be able to run with it.”

To apply for the position of managing director or to obtain additional information, you may contact Carissa Meisner Smit at president@driftwoodplayers.com.

— By Emily Hill