The Ross Ragland Board of Directors has announced changes to its personnel structure at the Ross Ragland Theater and Cultural Center it made last week. The board cites reasons for leadership changes were done “to reverse recent outcomes.”

The Board named Curtis Peoples as its interim director. Peoples replaces Samantha Burris, who served as the executive director since 2021.

According to a press release for the Ragland, “Additional staff positions have been removed to restructure the organization and improve the company’s overall financial sustainability and operational performance.”

“After thorough consideration, the Ross Ragland Board of Directors determined that it was time for a change in leadership. The personnel changes are needed to address company performance, which operates under macro- and microeconomic constraints,” the release said.

“The Ross Ragland board says it feels confident that Dr. Peoples’ experience will help focus resources and revise strategy where appropriate. He has served on numerous committees and boards in officer roles in international, national and local committees, including Klamath Falls.

Peoples has been involved in music for five decades. He is an active musician and has worked in several recording studios. Peoples was the plant manager for the historic Cactus Theatre in Lubbock, Texas, and has been a production manager for many events.

He graduated with a PhD in History from Texas Tech University, where he worked for 25 years in the Vietnam Archive. He helped found the Southwest Music Archive in the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library while at Texas Tech.

Peoples served as the archivist for the music collection, as the head of the Crossroads Recording Studio, and hosts the NPR radio show “Music Crossroads of Texas.”

He will continue his work as an adjunct history professor at Oregon Tech. “I’ve always been fascinated by the rich history of the Ross Ragland Theater, and as we reflect on its past, I’m inspired by the original vision of this place,” said Peoples.

“It was meant to be a true cultural hub for the Klamath community, a place where people could come together, share their passions, and celebrate the arts. Today, I’m committed to reviving that vision and transforming the Ross Ragland Theater into a Community Center for Klamath, where everyone can gather, connect, and experience the magic of the performing arts,” he said.

The Ross Ragland box office is temporarily closed until further notice. Patrons can visit their administrative office on the corner of Pine and North 7th Streets, for ticket purchases.

The Ross Ragland office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Patrons can also contact the Ragland at (541) 884-0651 for any ticket-related inquiries or further assistance.

In a closing statement, the Ragland press release wanted patrons to know that “The Ross Ragland Theater remains committed to providing exceptional service and appreciates the continued support of our loyal customers during this temporary adjustment. We look forward to serving you at our main office or via phone to ensure your ticketing needs are met seamlessly.”