The new head of Galesburg’s Orpheum Theatre thinks all his experience in theatre, acting, and in business will serve him well here.
Andrew Driscoll, who started a theatre organization at one point in Peoria and owns part of downtown Peoria’s “The MAXAM Building”, has already started his new job as Orpheum Executive Director.
Driscoll tells WGIL’s “Galesburg in Focus” he wants to make sure everyone has as great as experience as possible attending virtually anything at the Orpheum.
“There may be reasons in the past, or things that have happened, that you disagree with or you didn’t like. I’m here to say I’m sorry for that,” said Driscoll. “Not sorry because I did anything, but I’m sorry you had that experience or you had that opinion.”
Driscoll says it’s become clear to him already that the Orpheum is a facility that’s highly regarded in Galesburg.
“When I was in the interview process, one of my biggest questions has been ‘Does the community care about the Orpheum?’ And the resounding answer was, ‘Yes,'” said Driscoll. “And I’m like, ‘That’s all I need to know.’ I need to find a way for those who maybe have fallen off the consistent interaction with that, to reinvigorate that. And that comes from programming that appeals to them.”
Driscoll says he wants to show people with negative opinions where the Orpheum is today, and where it will be, and that you’re welcome to join the ride.
Listen to our full interview with Andrew Driscoll Saturday at 8:15am during “Galesburg in Focus” on 93.7 FM and 1400 AM WGIL. It will be posted on this website after the interview airs.
