RRT Announces leadership changes

File photo (Image: Brian Gailey

The following is a press release from the Ross Ragland Theater

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Ross Ragland Board of Directors announced changes to its personnel structure at the Ross Ragland Theater and Cultural Center to reverse recent outcomes. The Board named Curtis Peoples, Ph.D. Interim Director, replacing Samantha Burris, who served as the Executive Director from 2021.

Additional staff positions have been removed to restructure the organization and improve the company's overall financial sustainability and operational performance.

After thorough consideration, the Ross Ragland Board of Directors determined that it was time for a change in leadership.

The Ross Ragland Theater is a beacon in the community, and its heritage is built on the premise of providing quality programming to the Klamath area communities. As an organization, we must deliver quality programming at an affordable price. The personnel changes are needed to address company performance, which operates under macro and microeconomic constraints.

We are listening to our community partners, personnel, and others to improve our customer service and programs and drive growth at the theater.

The Board is committed to addressing urgent issues impacting performance measures, financial sustainability, and cash flow generation.

We are confident Dr. Peoples's experience will help us focus our resources and revise our strategy where appropriate.

Curtis L. Peoples, Ph.D., CA, Archivist Emeritus, has been involved in music for five decades. He is an active musician, has worked in several recording studios, was the plant manager for the historic Cactus Theatre in Lubbock, Texas, and has been a production manager for many events.

Dr. Peoples graduated with his Ph.D. in History from Texas Tech University, where he worked for 25 years in the Vietnam Archive and then helped found the Southwest Music Archive in the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library. He served as the archivist for the music collection and head of the Crossroads Recording Studio.

Dr. Peoples hosts the NPR radio show Music Crossroads of Texas and is an adjunct history professor teaching U.S. History, the History of Pacific Northwest Rock and Roll, and American Media Studies at Oregon Tech. He has served on numerous committees and boards in officer roles in international, national, and local committees, including in Klamath Falls.

"I've always been fascinated by the rich history of the Ross Ragland Theater, and as we reflect on its past, I'm inspired by the original vision of this place. It was meant to be a true cultural hub for the Klamath community, a place where people could come together, share their passions, and celebrate the arts.” Said Interim Executive Director, Curtis Peoples, “Today, I'm committed to reviving that vision and transforming the Ross Ragland Theater into a Community Center for Klamath, where everyone can gather, connect, and experience the magic of the performing arts."

The RRT box office is temporarily closed until further notice. RRT apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and invites our valued patrons to visit our offices, conveniently located on the corner of Pine St and N 7th St, where our team will be available to assist with ticket purchases from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Alternatively, please contact RRT at 541.884.0651 for any ticket-related inquiries or assistance.

The Ross Ragland Theater remains committed to providing exceptional service and appreciates the continued support of our loyal customers during this temporary adjustment. We look forward to serving you at our main office or via phone to ensure your ticketing needs are met seamlessly.