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Dear Members and Friends of City Theatre of Independence,

On July 1, I will have the honor of beginning my term as President of City Theatre of Independence. I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and excited about the opportunities ahead for our organization.

Before looking forward, I would like to thank Jack McCord for his service as President over the past two years. Leadership transitions are an important part of any organization, and I appreciate his willingness to serve CTI in this role. As we move forward, I look forward to building upon the work of those who came before me while continuing to strengthen and grow City Theatre.

When I first became involved with CTI in 2021, I quickly discovered that this organization is much more than a theatre company. It is a community of artists, volunteers, patrons, and supporters who believe in the power of storytelling and creating a place where people can learn, grow, and belong.

Over the past several years, we have modernized many aspects of our organization, including digital ticketing, digital playbills, a dedicated box office phone line, and the return of reserved seating. We have also begun an exciting rebranding effort with the introduction of our new logo and visual identity, helping position CTI for a strong future while honoring our rich history.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers. Whether you have performed on stage, worked behind the scenes, served on a committee, or supported us from the audience, you are an important part of CTI's success.

I also want to recognize the many individuals who have built this organization over the past 46 years. Our Lifetime Members, former board members, volunteers, directors, actors, and technicians have helped create the legacy we enjoy today, and we are grateful for their contributions.

As President, one of my priorities is strengthening connections throughout our membership. We have more than forty Lifetime Members whose experience and passion represent an incredible resource for our organization. I look forward to finding meaningful ways to reconnect with them while continuing to welcome new members into the CTI family.

I am also excited about expanding educational opportunities through workshops and classes in areas such as improv, stagecraft, sewing, prop creation, makeup, dance, and other theatrical skills. These opportunities will help develop new talent while strengthening our theatre community.

Most importantly, I want City Theatre of Independence to be a place where people feel welcome, valued, and inspired. The productions we create are important, but the relationships we build with one another are what truly make this organization special.

The future of CTI is bright. Together, we will honor our history, embrace new opportunities, and continue creating outstanding theatre for our community.

Thank you for your support, your trust, and your commitment to City Theatre of Independence. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we begin this next chapter together.

Aaron Wilson
President-Elect -2026-2028
City Theatre of Independence