A grand finale

Beaufort Performing Arts executive director Dee Dee Sandt is leaving the company in May, but not without one last go-round on stage

Dee Dee Sandt is closing out her time at the Beaufort Performing Arts in an unusual place: in front of the curtain instead of behind it.

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A grand finale

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The executive director turned in her resignation in January and will be leaving Beaufort at the end of May. She has three more shows to produce, however, including "Showtune," a musical revue of the work of composer Jerry Herman ("Hello, Dolly!" "Mame"), which opens at

7 p.m. Saturday at the University of South Carolina Beaufort Performing Arts Center. Sandt will perform in two numbers, including some tap dancing, her first time on stage in two years.

"I usually direct this fundraiser, but this year I wanted to make sure I had enough time to close up my term as executive director," she said. "So, at the last minute, the director ... asked me to be in it. I said, 'OK.' I'm in two numbers, and it is fun to be back on the boards."

Her numbers are in the first act and in the second, although hers is not the finale. "I hope it doesn't close the show!" she said with a laugh.

Sandt came to Beaufort in March 2004 from Michigan. She inherited a program that was in its infancy and has helped grow Beaufort Performing Arts into a state and nationally recognized organization.

"I feel that Beaufort Performing Arts is at a great place," Sandt said. "I came with the objective to be here for three to five years, and all of my objectives were met within 3 1/2 years, really. I wanted to make sure that in the fourth year everything was flying high. And it has been. So now I feel it's the perfect time to hand off the baby."

Sandt's next gig is at Cleveland State University where she will direct "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" starting June 1. After that, her future is uncertain. She said she'd like to move to a bigger city, either Atlanta or somewhere in North Carolina. She also has consulting work lined up.

"This will be the second time I've retired," Sandt said about her previous role running her own national touring company. "The first time, I was 43. Now it's 10 years later."

Beaufort Performing Arts board chairman Alan Runyan credits Sandt with the success Beaufort Performing Arts has had in the last four years. He also said the group was saddened to see Sandt go, but it understood.

"Dee Dee has grown (Beaufort Performing Arts) where it is today," he said. "So, obviously, we weren't terribly happy she was leaving, but on the other hand, every organization goes through stages of growth, and this is what this is. The next stage will be bigger than this one."

The search for an executive director replacement is down to the final three from a starting field of 32 candidates. Runyan said he hoped to have a decision by May 15.

Sandt feels the response for the job posting is another example of how the reputation of the Beaufort Performing Arts has grown.

"That's pretty outstanding," she said, "that 32 people from around the country want to come here and run the performing arts center."

The incoming director will not have to worry about the next season, at least. Sandt confirmed the run two weeks ago. Sandt said it was hard doing the work knowing she wouldn't be able to see it come to fruition, but she felt she owed it to her replacement.

"One of the reasons I booked it is so the next executive director could come in here and have a little breathing room, to learn the community and learn what the performing arts is here for Beaufort," she said. "Yes, it's very bittersweet. And it's very hard to leave. The decision was not made quickly. But I think I'm leaving it in a really good place."

Among the objectives Sandt set for herself, and met, were to present a season of shows, for the Beaufort Performing Artsto sustain itself, to start funding for the organization and to start children's productions and initiatives. She also set up a dance component. But it is the fundraising and ticket selling she has helped spearhead that has had the biggest impact.

"We now have a $536,000 budget," she said. "When I came in March of 2004, there was $2,500 in the bank."

She has plans to return to Beaufort after she leaves, mainly to close up loose ends. But she still refers to the Beaufort Performing Arts as "we," indicating that the disconnect isn't final yet. She still has a vision for the Beaufort Performing Arts even if she won't be the one to make it happen.

"I would like to see it in a new facility," she said, when asked what she'd like to see in five years. "I think (BPAC) is beautiful and intimate, and we could use this one as well, but I think in five years, we're going to outgrow this facility. Because we're outgrowing it now. Most of our shows are sold out."

For now, it is on to "Verona" and some rest.

"It was just time," she said. "I think I've done as much as I can do. I need some time and want some time off, because it has been hard work."