ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Shakes has named Larry Mabrey its new managing director, and he will join the Central Florida nonprofit theater on Nov. 27.

Mabrey, who was managing director of Santa Cruz (Calif.) Shakespeare, takes over from interim executive director Elizabeth (Betsy) Gwinn, who has provided leadership since the previous managing director, Douglas Love-Ramos, left the company on July 5. He will oversee the business operations and theatrical administration of the nonprofit, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

He has been a theater and academic administrator for more than 18 years. He also has served as the executive director of Circus Flora theater in St. Louis, executive director of the West Virginia Public Theatre, co-founder and producing artistic director for the Avalon Theatre Company of St. Louis and director of the Center for Professional Development at Webster University.

“Orlando Shakes’ reputation for high quality professional productions is well known, and I am energized about the opportunities that await us,” Mabrey said in a news release. “I look forward to partnering with Jim Helsinger, the staff, board, and community to bring the magic of theater to Central Florida and expand Orlando Shakes’ sphere of influence.”

Shakes board member Linda Landman Gonzalez, who led the search committee for the managing director, said the committee contacted 100 candidates, interviewed 12 of them and selected Mabrey from among four finalists.

"Mabrey emerged as the strongest and most experienced applicant at the close of the search with the skills and enthusiasm to lead Shakes into its 36th season and beyond," Gonzalez said in a news release.

“I have known Larry for years through the Shakespeare Theatre Association (the international conference of Shakespearean theaters) and have admired his skill and talent," said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, who will jointly lead Orlando Shakes with Mabrey, said. "Larry joins us with experience leading a respected Shakespeare theater, and I look forward to working together to build the future of Orlando Shakes.”

Orlando Shakes produces classic, contemporary, and children’s plays. It is in the midst of a nine-show season. Upcoming productions include "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs," "A Christmas Carol — 2023," "Chase Padgett: A 6-String Christmas," "Henry VI, Part 1: Joan of Arc," "Venus in Fur," "Becoming Othello: A Black Girl's Journey" and "Ain't Misbehavin'."