it's a matter of priorities
It’s been fun folks, but after three years, several film projects, a new diversity initiative, and a global pandemic, Kate LoConti Alcocer has decided that it’s time to go. She will be stepping down as executive and artistic director at Buffalo’s Irish Classical Theatre Company on July 31, 2023. Anyone who knows Kate, the reason won’t come as a shock. She and her husband, actor Anthony Alcocer, have a little boy at home. Parenthood is not compatible with the 24-hour hour a day, seven day a week commitment of running a theater, and setting priorities was a no-brainer. Family first.
“It has been my honor to serve as Executive Artistic Director of Irish Classical,” LoConti Alcocer said. “I am immensely proud of what the Company has accomplished over these three years with the skill and talent of our Staff and Creative Professionals. I very much look forward to my new role at ICTC, and what the future holds.”
This is the second high profile resignation in the theater community. Loraine O'Donnell, executive artistic director at D'Youville's Kavinoky Theatre recently announced that the company's production of "Network," now in rehearsal, will be her last.
Naturally, Kate walks away from her dream job with mixed feelings. The ICTC board is also sad to see her go. In a statement issued jointly with Kate, board chair John J. Earshen, said, “It is with mixed emotions that we share the news of Kate LoConti Alcocer's plan to resign as Executive Artistic Director at the Irish Classical Theatre Company due to family commitments…. Kate has been an outstanding leader for the Company since July 2020, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication and hard work over the past three years. It's an understatement to say that the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, and we are immensely proud of what our beloved theater company has been able to accomplish under Kate's leadership. From pivoting to film productions in collaboration with Pan-American Film Division, to our deep embrace of IDEA initiatives, and now returning to in-person programming, we have achieved so much together.”
Kate joined ICTC as associate artistic director, working with Vincent O’Neill and Fortunato Pezzimenti in early 2019, as part of the company's succession plan. That effort was supported with funds from the Cullen Foundation.
Kate will continue with ICTC in the volunteer position of “Advisory Director,” and will return to direct and act. She will serve as advisor on various company initiatives.
Earshen reports that the board has already begun a search for ICTC’s next Artistic Director, we understand that the position will be posted nationally.
As for Kate, she imagines herself working in some job that can enrich the community and the region, for at least for now, on a 9 to 5 basis.
We wish her happiness, health, and good fortune.