New Tecumseh Center for the Arts director brings experience running drama programs

TECUMSEH — The Tecumseh Center for the Arts has a new director, and she has already jumped into the job.

Amy Slupe’s first day was May 17, and she's already worked on securing rental contracts for the upcoming season and planning the TCA’s Summer Music Festival for Aug. 19 as well as getting to know staff and patrons.

“I am profoundly grateful to the city of Tecumseh for entrusting the TCA to my direction. I am highly motivated and completely dedicated to her continued success. Of course, it’s exciting, but it’s daunting. There are 42 years of history here. That’s a legacy I take very seriously. I will be working my hardest to bring excellence into every day to sustain the excellence the TCA has established,” Slupe said. “My immediate plans are to gain detailed understanding of all that’s working so wonderfully here. Given the TCA’s current level of success, that will take a while. Any vision-casting will follow.” 

Slupe comes from Lenawee Christian School where she served as its director of drama. As the director, she was responsible for managing budgets and financial oversight of the programs and productions including securing sponsor financial support. As part of the productions, Slupe was responsible for hiring vocal directors, orchestra conductors, choreographers, lighting designers, set builders and specialty consultants.

This management role involved overseeing ticket sales, payments to contractors and vendors, and coordination with affiliated groups. Slupe was also integral in managing volunteers to put on productions, which is a critical function at the TCA.

While on a slightly smaller scale, Slupe's role at LCS is very similar to the TCA director position. In addition to a strong resume, Slupe's references confirmed that she has a good handle on areas such as leadership, professionalism, budgeting, time and resource management, dealing with difficult customers, and being creative in her work, city manager Dan Swallow said in a recent report to the city council.

Slupe is a resident of Adrian. She raised her children in the home her father designed and built in 1965.

“As a Lenawee County native, I am very excited to join the TCA. I performed on stage here in the early ’80s when the theater was still new, so in many ways it’s like coming home,” Slupe said. “It’s lovely to be able to invest myself in the TCA this way now, especially when her investment into my young, creative life was so very valuable.”

Starting in January, after the promotion of former TCA director Kelly Jo Gilmore to Tecumseh economic development director, the city advertised for the TCA director position, received 35 applications and narrowed that list down to five applicants for interviews. Of these five candidates, four were scheduled for first interviews, and one could not accommodate the interview times that were available.

The interview committee consisted of Jeanette Meyers representing Friends of the TCA and the TCA Big Band & VocalAires, Gilmore and Swallow. These candidates were then narrowed down to two finalists, who were asked back for second interviews. The second interviews focused on existing TCA staff and Gilmore, and Swallow also participated. The results of the second interviews led to Slupe’s nomination.

“Ms. Slupe has an infectious positivity, which is important in a role that can become very hectic and stressful at times,” Swallow said. “I also believe that she has a strong team approach which will fit in very well with our TCA staff as well as with the other department heads here at the city of Tecumseh.”

Slupe's earliest experience was as a voiceover artist for a multimedia company in Toledo. She then went on to be the manager of the Murder Mystery Dinner Train in Blissfield. As part of this role, Slupe was responsible for scheduling shows, casting performances, promoting and marketing shows, and managing finances including invoicing and artist stipends.

She also worked for Communities in Schools of Adrian as a student intervention coach, community liaison and event coordinator. One of her experiences at CIS included partnering with community organizations on programs like its school supply backpack program that delivered more than 300 backpacks to students who may have otherwise struggled to purchase needed supplies.

As part of this role, Slupe was involved in organizing partnerships with community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club. This work also included organizing free tutors through Siena Heights University and Sylvan Learning Center for kids who were struggling academically.

Slupe will be taking over from Gilmore, who, since she joined the TCA in 2015 and was appointed its director in 2016, rebranded the TCA's logo and marketing materials; launched a new website; implemented an online ticketing platform; oversaw capital improvement projects like a new HVAC system, handicap accessible ramp and upgrades to the dressing rooms and sound booth; and started new outdoor initiatives like the TCA Street Art Trail, Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden and TCA Music Park.

“Tecumseh Center for the Arts plays a vital role in the artistic culture of Tecumseh. The support from the city, local businesses, foundations and the Tecumseh community has made the theater what it is today,” Gilmore said. “I am thrilled to pass the baton to Amy and am excited to see where her vision and passion will take the theater next.” 

Slupe said she fits right in with the staff.

“The processes previous director Kelly Jo Gilmore developed are strategically brilliant and provide immeasurable structure for continued success. I’d be lost without Kelly Jo. Ross Travis’ knowledge of all the physical aspects of the theater and its operations are top-notch and incredibly valuable. And graphic designer and box office manager Joanna Gall is a creative force and an organizational genius. She is the glue holding me together. Each of them is a beautiful gift I treasure,” Slupe said. “The kind hearts of the people and their generous support are fantastic. I know I am blessed beyond measure to be welcomed into the ranks of such incredible people.”

Slupe said that she loves the Tecumseh community and everything about its businesses, people and history.

“The intentional preservation of its architecture is wonderful. The commercial diversity is extraordinary for a town of any size, let alone a city with a population of 8,500. And the residents are genuine and caring,” Slupe said. “There is just so much to love. TCA patrons are friends. They belong. They’re what sustain us, and they are invaluable. I’m so excited to grow our relationships and deepen our connection.”

Slupe’s starting salary is $58,000.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: New Tecumseh Center for the Arts director brings experience