With the new spring theatre season underway in Hammond, the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts has some new ambitions under the guidance of Interim Director Dr. Kenneth Boulton.

A long-time admirer of the theatre and its role in the local community, Boulton came into his new position last August after his predecessor, Donna Gay Anderson, announced she was resigning.

“I feel privileged to have been given the chance to see what it takes to sustain such a valuable place from the inside,” said Boulton. “I also feel extremely lucky to be associated with the hardest working, most dedicated staff I’ve ever known.”

While still adjusting to his dual role as interim director and a faculty member of the Southeastern music department, Boulton is enjoying the responsibilities that come with the job.

“I am enjoying the fact that each day has a different focus and set of goals,” said Boulton. “I never feel, nor want to feel, like we’re simply treading water, in spite of next year’s budget uncertainty.”

Under his guidance, Boulton has created new changes to the Columbia, by fostering partnerships with local businesses such as the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center.

“Our new collaboration with the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center has helped us market our upcoming children’s shows to a much wider public, while we in turn have helped promote their exciting program,” said Boulton.

According to Boulton, other ventures include presenting shows from the Jefferson Performing Arts Society next season, as well as new opportunities for businesses and individuals to support and sponsor Columbia Theatre programming.

“Creating new partnerships has been one of the Columbia’s primary focuses this year,” said Boulton. “And so far, they’re really paying off.”

Along with installing his new ideas, Boulton is also ecstatic about the upcoming Encore season. The Columbia will be hosting the Southeastern Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Yakov Voldman, on Friday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. and the Southeastern Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Glen Hemberger, will appear at the Columbia on Tuesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m.

“I have a personal interest in [the symphony] concert, since I will be performing a piano concerto by Richard Prior, a former music faculty member at Southeastern,” said Boulton.

According to Boulton, there is a lot of excitement going on for the current spring season after just concluding the best month of general ticket sales in a long time. The three big shows in April, May and June feature magician and illusionist Mike Super, a salute to the Eagles by the group Hotel California and a performance by Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters.

“I’d rather not play favorites, but I think students might really enjoy Mike Super’s dazzling magic show on Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m.,” said Boulton. “Who knows, one of them may ride out of the theatre on a brand new Harley-Davidson motorcycle, thanks to our own Hammond Harley-Davidson shop.”

After attending the performance of “The Music Man” and seeing the large audience enjoying the show, Anderson was pleased with seeing work Boulton has done.

“Dr. Boulton is wearing many hats and working very hard,” said Anderson. “He is in the booking period now and that is the hard part. Juggling dates, budgeting, negotiating contracts, that is the hardest part. I wish him well and know he will do just fine.”