Speakeysie News Desk

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — After three decades of visionary leadership, artistic innovation, and unwavering dedication to the Gwinnett community, Aurora Theatre proudly announces the retirement of Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence.

Pence will conclude her remarkable 30-year tenure as Aurora Theatre closes its landmark 30th Anniversary Season with In The Heights. Her retirement will officially take effect on February 1, 2027.

 

In 1996, Ann-Carol Pence and fellow Co-Founder Anthony Rodriguez launched Aurora Theatre with a bold vision: to create a professional theatre company that would enrich lives, reflect the community it serves, and make world-class arts accessible in Gwinnett County. What began as a small theatre company has grown into one of the most respected arts organizations in the Southeast, serving hundreds of thousands of patrons annually through productions, education programs, community initiatives, and cultural events.

 

Throughout her tenure, Pence helped shape the artistic identity of Aurora Theatre while championing new works, musical theatre, arts education, and community engagement. She arranged the music for Aurora’s very first Christmas Canteen in 1996 and later joined the organization full-time as Resident Musical Director in 1998. Drawing upon her background in education, she developed Aurora’s Learning Library program and played a pivotal role in expanding the theatre’s educational offerings for students and teachers across the region.

As a musician and artistic leader, Pence launched initiatives including Musicals by Moonlight and Aurora’s New Musical Initiative, helping cultivate new voices and create opportunities for emerging artists. Her work has earned many accolades, including six Suzi Bass Awards for Outstanding Music Direction. Under her leadership, Aurora Theatre received the inaugural Pinnacle Award for Large Non-Profit and the Gwinnett Chamber’s inaugural Moxie Award recognizing outstanding woman-led organizations.

 

“Thirty years ago, Anthony and I set out to create a theatre with purpose that would uplift all people,” said Ann-Carol Pence. “What transpired since Parson’s Hardware Store exceeded every dream imaginable. Our Apprentice Leadership Program alone has spawned over a hundred well-rounded artists because of the investment we made as a regional theatre. I am endlessly grateful to the artists, staff, board members, volunteers, donors, patrons, and community partners who believed that professional theatre could not only exist but thrive in Gwinnett County. I remember a patron once asking me after seeing an original take on a musical, what our agenda was. Our agenda is empathy. I challenge Aurora, as a non-profit charity, to not only continue to entertain, but to educate, inspire and advocate for empathy and kindness.” 

 

As part of this leadership transition, Aurora Theatre is currently conducting a search for a full-time Executive Director. Board member Randy Redner will step into the role of Interim Executive Director while the search process is underway. Aurora Theatre is pleased to announce that Katie Chambers will serve as Interim Artistic Director.

 

A familiar and respected leader within the organization, Chambers first joined Aurora Theatre as a member of the Apprentice Company during the 2013-2014 season. She later served as Resident Stage Manager from 2014-2019 before returning as Director of Production from 2021-2025. Most recently, Chambers has served as Associate Artistic Director and Director of the Apprentice Company, helping guide artistic programming while mentoring the next generation of theatre professionals. “It is an incredible honor to continue the work of an organization that has shaped so much of my professional life,” said Chambers. “Aurora Theatre has always been a place where artists and audiences come together to experience something meaningful. I look forward to working alongside our talented staff, board, artists, and community as we build upon the legacy Ann-Carol and Anthony created.”

 

As Aurora Theatre prepares to enter its fourth decade, the organization remains committed to its mission of sparking inspiration, fostering creativity, and bringing people together through the transformative power of theatre. A celebration honoring Ann-Carol Pence’s contributions and legacy will be announced at a later date.