When Warrnambool farewells its theatre boss at the end of the month, it will have to do so from one of the main auditorium’s 583 seats.
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That’s because Lighthouse Theatre services manager Mik Frawley will be performing on stage at the time.
“My last day with Lighthouse Theatre will be March 29 for Oedipus Schmoedipus,” he said.
“I’m actually going to join the volunteer cast for that night’s performance.
“I thought it would be perhaps fitting to say farewell to the audience from the stage.”
After two-and-a-half years at the helm, Mr Frawley is leaving to take up the position of area leader creative programs and partnerships for Wyndham City Council in Werribee.
“It’s a new role managing the performing arts programs across a number of cultural venues including the Wyndham Cultural Centre,” Mr Frawley said.
His vacated position will be advertised in the upcoming weeks and Mr Frawley said he held no concerns for his replacement.
“Warrnambool is a beautiful town and Lighthouse Theatre is a venue with a great reputation so I’m confident they’ll attract a high calibre of candidates for the job.”
As far as leaving a legacy, Mr Frawley said he was most proud of his work for the LGBTI community.
“I’m not too concerned with legacy,” he said.
“One of the things I love about theatre is that the beautiful worlds we share on stage are transient and fleeting. I’d like to think that Warrnambool has enjoyed the ones I’ve been lucky enough to share with them.
“Having said that I’m quite proud of the cabaret shows we presented last year and of Haven, the project I ran with Warrnambool Art Gallery and Brophy during the marriage equality postal survey that bought the LGBTI+ community together through the arts.
“Seeing the impact it made was something very special.”
The Queensland-born performing arts graduate said his advice to his successor was simple.
“Trust the audience. This is a city with keen artistic instincts and a real willingness to experience new things,” he said.
His list of Warrnambool features he’ll miss extend beyond the theatre’s walls.
“The natural beauty of this place, the generosity of the community, and the theatre itself, but most of all the people.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with a wonderful team and have made some excellent friends.
“It will be hard saying goodbye.”
Mr Frawley said interested applicants should apply via the Warrnambool City Council website.
