C.L. Hoover Opera House Board announces the retirement of their directors, Joe and Sheila Markley.
The Markleys, who were already well-known in the area as music teachers in the Chapman school district, have been the guiding hand for the Opera House for the last ten years. They have introduced many innovations and improvements in the building and the stage, including lighting and sound system improvements, and have staged many seasons of diverse entertainment for the area.
They have extended and stabilized our financial base with increased participation and membership.
They have promoted our Opera House statewide by their participation and leadership as Co-Presidents of the Kansas Historic Theaters Association. They have been members and presenters nationally for the League of Historic American Theaters, as well. Joe and Sheila are responsible for making our Opera House the crown jewel and the focal point of downtown Junction City.
Their crowning achievement has been the purchase and remodel of 131 West 7th Street, a building formally known as Peter Pan Grocery Store. The Markleys began an innovative program for youth called ASTRA, where children can learn performing arts. The new addition provides the required space for teaching and practice, office space for the Junction City Little Theatre, office and studio space for Junction City Arts Council, and rehearsal and storage space for the Junction City Community Band.
The C.L. Hoover Opera House wishes Joe and Sheila Markley well in their new endeavors.
Advertising for the position of Executive Director begins immediately.