Announcement from the Columbia Theatre Board of Directors

It is some bittersweet news I have to share with you today. After nearly 14 years at the helm of our beloved Columbia Theatre, Executive Director Gian Paul Morelli will officially retire on December 31, 2020. Gian had announced his plans to the board last November, prior to the onset of Covid 19, and has worked diligently with the board to put into place the financial safeguards meant to weather this pandemic.

He has provided excellent leadership and vision during his tenure--a vision that has always been driven by the needs of the community and executed by an experienced and dedicated group of professional staff and volunteers.

FOURTEEN YEARS OF CONSTANT AND DYNAMIC CHANGE.

Gian came to the Columbia Theatre in May 2007 during the final stages of a multi-million dollar capital campaign. He arrived just in time to join the community-wide effort to renovate the [now] 95 year old “Crown Jewel of Southwest Washington.” On the eve of his departure, with projects ranging from repainting the structure to newly refurbished marquee and all new front entrance doors, the Columbia Theatre will have finished one of the most complete renovations of a historic theatre to be found anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.

Over the 37 years of its history the Columbia Theatre has had only 4 directors with interim gaps in its early years. During his tenure Gian had the distinct privilege of guiding the organization through some of its most exciting and crucial changes. From the initial renovation, through a recession, to the expansion of programming from 35 events annually to 80+ events—the Columbia Theatre is an organization that has creatively negotiated the ever-changing landscape as one of the most active arts centers hosted in one of the smallest communities in the nation.

VARIED AND ENGAGING PROGRAMMING.

Over the years the theatre’s programming expanded to include a Main Stage Series of national and international artists; the Fibre Federal Credit Union Rainy Months Series for elementary and young families; a Classic Film Series; and the Stage Door Concert Series. Additional children’s programming included: Missoula Children’s Theatre week-long summer theatre camp; Winter Theatre Camp, and the SW Washington Symphony Children’s Concerts.

AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY.

Community engagement has been a hallmark of the Columbia Theatre with additional activities such as Cultural Immersion Weeks celebrating cultural performances from Japan, China, and India and featuring opportunities to sample various cultural experiences from film to food to performances in the authentic.

Perhaps the most successful venture was the community read and performance project of Mona Golabek’s book “The Children of Willesden Lane”. This project saw more than 4,330 students and community members participating, representing 7 different school districts from WA and OR. More than 3,000 free copies of Golabek’s book were distributed during the read.

When one leaves such a mark, one never fully departs the Columbia family. We are grateful to Gian for his leadership, vision, and, most importantly, his passion for the arts and our community. Over these past years we have all come to know the phrase: It’s your Columbia Theatre. Don’t miss a moment! Nothing truer could be said, so, perhaps we’ll just keep that phrase in use.

Please join me in thanking Gian for 14 years of service to the arts in our community.

Sincerely,

Sue Lantz

President

Columbia Theatre Association Board