From CenterStage...
Time for Passing the Baton
WHBPAC Advisory Council Founding-Chair to Retire
It might not be a relay but come December Teri Seidman, the tireless head of the WHBPAC Advisory Council, will relinquish the role of Chair to her successor. After seven years as Founding Chair, Teri is leaving the Center & the village of Westhampton Beach to follow the winds of change. Teri arrived in Westhampton in 1963. Now four decades and then some, she will move onto a new life and new adventure in Charlotte, NC.
From an early age, Teri, introduced to the theatre by her grandmother, has forever had a love of all things dramatic, creative and theatrical. She remembers sitting in a Broadway theatre on a pile of coats so she could see the stage. Her love of theatre continued as she started performing in radio at 6. But as time went on she found herself more interested in what costumes the actors were wearing and how the set was decorated than being a character in the show.
Having graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Theatre Arts, Teri went on to get her Masters in Education. She soon began her career as a NYC schoolteacher eventually becoming a principal.
"I put my foot into a classroom and never gave acting another thought, "she said. "I taught everything through art. I wanted children to embrace their stories and paint their dreams."
In 1986, Teri began to live full time in Westhampton, retiring from education. But retirement was not what Teri had in mind! She went on to build a substantial interior design business and publish numerous volumes on the subject. Teri was first approached by Clare in 2002 to help form the Women's Advisory Council as a tool for strengthening the connection between the community and the Performing Arts Center.
"There were a lot of misconceptions out there - rumors. Why did they have to fundraise, why weren't there any plays, how do you get tickets?" to mention a few Teri said. "Clare said to me we needed informed ambassadors out in the community."
That was the inception of the approximately 20 member Advisory Council of Women from all aspects of the area - the golfers, the tennis players, the business owners, etc. - Women from Remsenberg, Quogue, Southampton & Westhampton Beach - ambassadors from different groups to get the word out and answer some of the questions that concerned people. The Councilwomen comprise a group that any board in corporate America would be envious to have.
"You can't imagine how wide Clare's vision is. The Council has helped her solve problems and expand her scope. There was a budget deficit - she got rid of it. The theatre needed to expand - so Clare spearheaded the acquisition of the adjacent property so the Children's Program could grow. Each year we focused on a new challenge and lent Clare the support that the theatre needed."
"The Council, under Teri's leadership, has been a tremendous asset to this theatre. The growth we have realized is in large part due to the Council's efforts," adds Clare Bisceglia, Executive Director. "Besides being a dedicated leader, Teri is a joy to work with and a lot of fun. We have had a great partnership & friendship and I am truly going to miss her!"
Teri will be handing her baton to the familiar face of Mary Skillern, a current Board member. Mary will be on the Board and head the Council. This combination is intended to strengthen communication between these two vital groups.
"I am flattered & very excited to be elected," said Mary Skillern. "Teri has left us a great legacy, the Council has done wonderful things for the Theatre, raising awareness, increasing attendance & fundraising. I am enthusiastic to be part of this wonderful team."
Similar sentiment about the passing of the baton from Teri to Mary was echoed by Yvonne Elliman, Founding Vice-Chair, who said, "We love Teri & will miss her. It's going to be great as Mary is a brilliant gal. I can't say enough about both of them." And Mary Jane Poole, Vice Chair, says of the Advisory Council, "It's been a think tank for the theatre - Teri assembled a group of women who brought so many different ideas to the table - I am proud to be part of such an accomplished group. And Mary has such a strong background in the Arts that she is a wonderful choice as the new Chair."
Teri & her husband Larry are preparing for their move down South.
"I could stay in Westhampton for the rest of my life. Who wouldn't want to? But every couple of decades I want to do something different - to reinvent myself."
With her signature flare and zest for life Teri's new adventure is sure to dazzle!
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