(February 4, 2026 3:52 PM ET) Steve Tucker, former Executive Director of the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, has released the following statement in response to a press release issued by the Michigan Theatre board yesterday. (Board’s release is reprinted below).
I felt compelled to respond to the recent statement issued by the Michigan Theatre of Jackson Board of Directors regarding the termination of my employment as the Executive Director of the Theatre and to correct some serious inaccuracies in the statement. In March of 2012, I was hired as Executive Director of the Theatre at a very precarious time in the history of the Theatre. The Theatre was on the brink of bankruptcy and in danger of closing its doors forever. It didn’t take long to truly fall in love with the building and all of the histories of those that came before me. Those that preceded me also faced monumental challenges to simply keep the building open, offer events, and keep the wrecking ball as far away as possible. Their stories formed the narrative that inspired me to work as hard as I possibly could. I have not forgotten nor ignored their sacrifices. Through the hard work of our team, we have been able to turn the financial fortunes of the Theatre around to point where it is now financially secure. We have also been able to bring great programing to the community including those for children, adults and those that have been underserved in the past. We were also able to choregraph, with the assistance of hardworking community leaders and volunteers, a $6.2 million Capital Campaign for the major restoration of the Theatre which was completed on time and under budget, and have been able to establish a substantial endowment to assist in paying future maintenance costs of our beautiful building.
As a result of changes in the composition of the Theatre’s board of directors in 2025, tensions developed between certain board members and the management team, including questioning minor operational issues and picking disputes over inconsequential matters. It became evident that those board members were intent on replacing me as the Executive Director for reasons that were never disclosed to me or to anyone else that I am aware of. It was never my intent to retire from my role as the Executive Director at the present time and it was my intent to continue for the next few years to ensure the stability of the Theatre and groom a successor who could continue to successfully lead the operation long into the future. Last fall those board members who wanted me out and were seemingly intent on making my life at the Theatre miserable which resulted in me becoming very frustrated with the entire situation and, as a result of that frustration, I made some comments to the Board about possible retirement since it was apparent the Board wanted me out. However, I never submitted a formal, written resignation or notice of my retirement. On January 22nd, I was given a letter terminating my position as the Executive Director and demanding that I leave the Theatre by the end of the day and not to return. The receipt of the letter was a total surprise and shock to me. I have been informed that a group of major donors to the Theatre led by Philip Curtis, who led the Capital Campaign and was also a member of the Advisory Board of the Theatre, requested a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Board to discuss concerns they had about the current happening at the Theatre and scheduled a meeting for January 19th. The Board Chair advised the group three days before the scheduled meeting that they were refusing to meet with the donor group as had been requested and suggested a meeting at a later date in February. Three days after that meeting was scheduled and their refusal to meet with those who made the Theatre Restoration possible, I received the termination letter. Hence, I was terminated and did not resign or retire as the Board wants the community to believe.
During my tenure as executive director, I met many individuals from the Jackson area that offered incredible support, financially and emotionally. These donors, members, and friends believe in the Theatre and its mission. To them I am grateful. Without them, I truly would have failed. Many have become life-long friends. I am so fortunate and I wish say “thank you” to them. Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the outpouring of community support on social media and otherwise in the last few days for what we have done for the Theatre over the last 14 years.
Steven R. Tucker
February 4, 2026
February 3 statement issued by the Michigan Theatre on behalf of the Michigan Theatre Board of Directors:
“We are writing to share an important governance update from the Board of Directors of the Michigan Theatre of Jackson.Our Executive Director, Steve Tucker, announced his plan to retire at our October 22, 2025 Board meeting. He set his retirement date as 3/14/2026, and the Board was planning a celebratory event to honor him.In accordance with time needed to allow for a smooth transition in terms of bookkeeping and bringing in an Interim Director, Steve was asked to end his formal directorship on 12/31/2025, but we would continue his salary until his official retirement date of 3/14/2026. The Board also asked him to stay on at the Theatre as Fund Development Director after 3/14/2026, enabling him to be able to work fewer hours but still be an integral part of the Theatre. That offer still stands.When the agreed upon deadline of 12/31/2025 for vacating the directorship passed, the Board found it necessary to end Steve’s directorship on 1/22/26.
The Board’s decision was based on governance considerations and alignment with the mission, values, and long-term sustainability of the organization. Out of respect for confidentiality and in compliance with employment and privacy laws, the Board is unable to share specific personnel or internal details related to this matter.
We recognize that leadership changes can raise questions, and we want to assure you that the Board remains fully committed to strong oversight, transparency, and accountability. Our programs and services continue without disruption, and the Board is actively focused on ensuring stable leadership and continued progress toward our mission.
We are deeply grateful for your trust and continued support. Your partnership enables us to carry out our work, and we remain committed to stewarding the organization responsibly and ethically.
Should you have general questions about governance or the organization’s future direction, we welcome you to contact the Board through the appropriate channel: MTJBoard@gmail.com
Thank you for your continued belief in our mission and the work we do together.”
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