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A Farewell Message from Outgoing President Michael Day

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Posted: Monday, January 5, 2026, 5:13pm

The following was sent by email on December 31, 2025

When I first assumed the role of Board President 18 months ago, I was excited and terrified. Curtain Players has a rich history with a bench of dedicated volunteers. What could I possibly bring to the organization?
 
My mantra at the beginning was “surround yourself with good people, and then trust them to do the work.” I was very fortunate that so many good people reached out to me asking “how can I help?” And I put them to work.
 
The results have far surpassed even my hopes. We have multiple committees filled with enthusiastic workers who come together regularly to say “how can we improve next” – and then figure that out, and even better, act on the plans they make.
 
These 18 months were not completely smooth sailing. But this dedicated group of people always rose to the occasion, and worked out how to best respond with CP’s best interests foremost in their minds.
 
And now, I must step down, 6 months earlier than planned.  I have been presented with some health challenges that will require my full energy and attention. And recognizing I would not be able to give the role of president the attention it deserves, I made the difficult decision to step down.  But I leave with the knowledge that the organization is in very capable hands.
 
I won’t try to list all of the names of folks who I am grateful to and for, because I will invariably forget someone, and I want no hurt feelings from omission.  But I can say thanks to:

  • The board. This is a group of people who love CP, and have constantly been a source of inspiration for me. Please thank them for their contributions the next time you see them. It takes a special person to dedicate the time and energy to serve on a non-profit board.
  • The working committees – their chairs and members.  Driven, creative individuals who continue to improve what CP does for our productions, our audiences, our patrons, and our members
  • Our faithful volunteers – who staff front-of-house for performances, come early on Saturday mornings to build and paint our sets, or show up for clean up days. Every minute given matters.
  • Our financial patrons. Without their generous support, we would not be able to continue operating.
  • Our audiences, who faithfully attend our productions – and then honestly tell us what they liked or didn’t like.

 
Serving CP for the past 18 months in this role has been an immense honor. And I am so grateful for all of the support that I have been given in my goals of improving the many areas of CP’s operations.  This isn’t a Goodbye, only a Farewell For Now.  I will still occasionally be around, and look forward to the day when I can jump right back in.
 
With fond wishes for the continued success and growth of Curtain Players…….