GLASGOW, Ky. — Carolyn Glodfelter was fired Tuesday as executive director of the Plaza Theatre, according to Glasgow Mayor Henry Royse.

Royse said the decision was not based on misconduct or a violation of law. Instead, he said the city wants to take the historic, city-owned theatre in a “different direction.”

“We need to move the Plaza in another direction, and that was the way to start it,” Royse said.

Glodfelter was hired to lead the Plaza Theatre in September 2015. She oversaw the theatre’s day-to-day operations, events and programming for nearly 11 years.

Royse said the decision was based in part on concerns about the theatre’s performance, including the number of shows being held and how events were promoted and acts recruited.

“Our numbers aren’t where they needed to be, and some of the ways that we did promoting, and some of the ways that we went about recruiting acts and stuff like that was not producing results,” Royse said.

Royse said there was no performance improvement plan or other formal recommendation given to Glodfelter before her dismissal.

“We just, in other words, took a good, long look at where we are and where we would like to be, and we just need different leadership to do that,” Royse said.

He said his vision for the Plaza includes adapting to changes in the theatre and entertainment industry.

“We’ve actually known for a long time that to get to where we need to be, we’re going to have to look at the people that are driving the train so to speak and we just need to make the move. Nothing against her. She didn’t do anything wrong,” Royse said.

Royse later clarified that by “didn’t do anything wrong,” he meant Glodfelter had not violated any laws or committed any infractions.

What happens next

The Plaza Theatre Advisory Board is scheduled to hold a special-called meeting Wednesday, with personnel listed as the only item on the agenda.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Glasgow City Hall Council Chambers at 126 E. Public Square. The meeting is open to the public.

Royse said the city plans to advertise the executive director position and involve members of the advisory board in the hiring process. He said he envisions creating an interview committee from the board, although the authority to hire and fire the executive director rests with the mayor.

The position had not been posted on the city’s website as of Wednesday morning.

In the meantime, Ben Rascoe and some part-time employees will work with city government to oversee the Plaza Theatre, Royse said.

“When you make a move like this, you have to be ready to go the next day,” Royse said. “That’s why it was delayed a little bit, just making sure we had the ducks in a row.”

Glodfelter will be eligible for unemployment benefits following her termination, and the city confirmed she will receive payment for any accrued PTO. Royse said she will not receive severance or additional compensation.

Barrenside reached out to Glodfelter for comment. She had not responded as of publication.

Barrenside has also requested records related to her termination, including any performance improvement plans or instructions provided to Glodfelter regarding desired outcomes or objectives.

The bottom line

Glodfelter was fired after nearly 11 years as the Plaza Theatre’s executive director. Royse said the decision was driven by the city’s desire for different leadership and concerns about the theatre’s performance, not by misconduct or a violation of law.