Covington, Barton leave big shoes to fill at Barrow

If you ask Zachary Covington about his time leading the Barrow-Civic Theatre, the outgoing executive director is quick with his response.
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“Stewardship,” he says without hesitation. “The word stewardship is how I (summarize it).” It’s the essential of the position, he says, good stewardship of the historic building, donations, relationships within the theatre, community partnerships, and expanding offerings.
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After 10½ years as the head steward at the theatre, Convington is transitioning back into teaching.
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“When they hired me, I agreed to three years,” Convington said with a smile on Sunday. He started as director of the theater June 8, 2015.
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“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this historic organization and the beautiful oil region community that surrounds it,” Covington said in a farewell letter printed in the theatre’s newsletter. “During my time here, we have celebrated a decade of producing theatre; we weathered the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic; we have expanded youth and educational programming, welcomed nationally and internationally recognized artist, strengthened community partnerships, and continued important preservation efforts to ensure that the Barrow remains the heart of Liberty Street for generations to come.”

​When pressed to give his favorite example of accomplishments on the stage during his tenure, Convington pointed to a musical. “I’m most proud of the work they did on ‘Mary Poppins’,” he said. “That’s doesn’t minimize the other ones. We’ve never done a bad one.”
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“Mary Poppins” is a great instance of the visual transformation of stage productions over the past decade, he said. “Visually, they (the shows) have been improving and improving.”
Convington announced his departure to the theatre’s executive board near the start of the year and has since been transitioning toward teaching while finishing projects, like the marquee update, and passing on management knowledge.
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“I certainly wasn’t going to say, ‘here’s my two-week's,’ I have too much invested here,” he said. So, he plans to be around part-time through April, at which time he will move full time into Covington Performing Arts Studio.

Started in 2002, Convington had been running the studio part-time since. Last year, he and his partner Ian Doran, started visualizing what the studio could be if he had more time for teaching. When Doran passed away unexpectedly, Convington decided it was time to put the plan into action.
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Through the Covington Performing Arts Studio, he is offering lessons in voice, guitar and piano. In the near future, he will also be offering piano tuning and trip organizing for groups, especially choirs and bands. He is also available for work with local high school productions and concerts, as well as substitute music teaching.
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“We want to express our sincere gratitude for his (Covington’s) dedication and contributions to FCOA’s Barrow-Civic Theatre during his tenure. We wish him the very best in all his future endeavors,” Franklin Civic Operetta Association board chairman Stephen Teig said in a post on the theatre’s Facebook page.
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For succession planning, Covington had three pieces of advice. 
·       “Be patient – there are so many personalities in the arts.
·       “Never stop learning – we have the arts side and we have the business said… and they have to go together.
·       “Stay involved in the community (outside the theatre).”

Until a successor is named, general manager Kristy Ference is handling the day-to-day operations.

“As we look toward the next chapter, we have every confidence in our general manager, Kristy Ference, to help guide us through a smooth transition and to manage daily operations, ensuring that our services and commitments remain uninterrupted,” Teig said.

​Convington said he looks back at his time at the Barrow-Civic Theatre with a lot of fondness.

“It’s a happy place to work,” he said.

Convington’s resignation is not the only staffing change at the popular community theatre.
After nearly 20 years of service, box office supervisor and coordinator Gary Barton retired in February.
“Gary has been a steady and familiar presence at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, first as a volunteer and later as a valued member of (the) staff,” an announcement of his retirement said last month.

On Sunday, he was present during the theatre’s annual volunteer dinner.

“He trained me how to sell tickets in the box office,” Convington recalled during the award presentation. “He’s been a great friend. So many of the projects have happened because of (Gary).”
Barton may be known to many as “the man behind the grill at Applefest and Light Up Night” and has long organized the Christmas Tree Extravaganza.

“Gary’s dedication to BCT goes far beyond a single role. His reliability and willingness to step in wherever needed have made a lasting impact on our theatre family and our community.”
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“We thank you for your 20 years of service at the Barrow,” Ference said.

Barton declined to make many remarks in return. “I gave you enough hassle over the years,” he said in jest.
Ference noted that Barton was the most seasoned employee on the staff. Matching his nearly 20 years and Convington’s more than 10 years means the theatre is losing nearly three decades of experience.
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“While leadership transitions are a natural part of any organization’s journey, the mission of the Barrow remains strong,” Covington wrote in his goodbye letter. “I have full confidence in the board and the team of staff as they guide the theatre into its next chapter.”

Story by Jill Harry