The Cayman Drama Society has announced new leadership along with plans to expand the number of shows it stages in the Cayman Islands each year.
Haidee Elise is the new artistic director, while Chad Powell has been appointed theatre manager, the society revealed at its annual general meeting on Friday, 27 March.
Paul de Freitas is stepping down from the latter role after 15 years of service.
At the meeting, held on World Theatre Day, Elise revealed plans to increase the number of yearly productions from four to seven or eight.
Speaking to Cayman Independent, she said the expansion will create “more opportunities for people across Cayman to get involved in theatre”.
It will also “broaden the range of productions on offer, support the school curriculum through relevant theatrical work and exchange and reflect the diverse communities that make up the islands”, she said.
Elise also told those gathered on Friday that the society is introducing a directors development pathway.
Where possible, this will include productions enlisting assistant directors to give emerging creatives hands-on experience working alongside established directors.
Alongside the pathway, a new four-week intensive workshop, ‘Essentials in theatre directing’, starts on 21 April.
The course is designed for those new to directing and those wishing to refresh and strengthen their skills.
The AGM also saw the society’s current directors outline productions planned for the rest of 2026 and into 2027, while attendees enjoyed a short preview of the Broadway and West End hit ‘In the Heights’, opening in May.
“World Theatre Day provided a wonderful opportunity to highlight the important role theatre plays in enriching cultural life in Cayman,” said Elise, who is also head of drama training at the society.
Cayman Drama Society’s shows are performed at the Prospect Playhouse on Shamrock Road, Prospect.
More information on upcoming shows and how to get involved with the society can be found here.
