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Beth Strange is resigning as executive director of The Turnage Theatre and Arts of the Pamlico (AOP) less than 300 days after taking the position. On Wednesday, March 22 Strange posted a public announcement to her personal Facebook page. 

“Timing is everything,” she wrote. “Having decided to resign my position as Executive Director at the Historic Turnage Theatre/Arts of the Pamlico, I am filled with gratitude for my exceptional staff, stellar volunteers, and tremendously generous patrons…” 

She continued to write that the Turnage Theatre/AOP with assistance from patrons was able to accomplish: Selling more than 6,000 tickets for an increase of 808%; increasing earned revenue by 730%; developing sustainable business and financial models, complete improvements to the historic theater building; creating and developing a credentialed and skilled staff; hosting over 100 ticketed and free events, showcasing local visual and performing artists and booking multiple Grammy Award winning and internationally acclaimed performers. 

She ended the post with, “The future of the Turnage Theatre and AOP is bright – enjoy the show!” 

In June of last year, Strange succeeded Virginia Finnerty as executive director. Strange was tasked with engaging the AOP’s Board of Directors and community to form a “progressive Strategic Plan,” an AOP press release announced last year when she was hired. 

“Beth has spent 25 years assisting high-profile and emerging corporations, academic institutions, groups, and individuals in defining and refining their businesses and presence by applying proven principles in strategic management, reputation, brand, public relations, and image management. In addition, she is an internationally Certified Image Professional and Brand Analyst with extensive certifications, education, and experience in Presence Management industries,” the press release shared. 

“When our Board met [Strange], it was immediately clear that her exceptional skill set was the right fit for AOP,” former AOP Board Chair Gail Baird said last year. 

Strange and her husband Michael moved to Washington three years ago. They have lived in North Carolina for more than 10 years.

* Editor’s Note: This article has been edited to remove a factual error. A source provided inaccurate information that was corrected by Beth Strange. She was not encouraged to take a Leave of Absence.