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Sunday, November 1, 2009

Theater Shakeup at Giant Magnet

Posted by Brendan Kiley on Sun, Nov 1, 2009 at 3:34 PM

Andrea Wagner, longtime director of Giant Magnet (which recently changed its name from the Seattle International Children's Festival) has been fired. A source inside the organization said the board gave no reason nor any previous notification that they were dissatisfied with how she'd been running the organization.

Giant Magnet, which brings musical, vaudeville, and cirque acts from around the world, is nearing its 25th anniversary. Whatever else was going on behind the scenes, Wagner and her team were broad, deep, and imaginative curators. Past acts have included Mirah (of K Records), Les Argonautes (of Belgium), Thomas Mapfumo (the "Lion of Zimbabwe"), Circo Teatro Udi Grudi (from Brazil) and others.

Since most of the acts perform during the week and during the day, The Stranger has always thought fondly of Giant Magnet as the Seattle Unemployed Stoner's Festival.

More information as it comes.

Comments (9) RSS

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I don't think you can fire someone without adequate notice and documentation. The board must give reasons to the public as to their decision, and demonstrate that the proper procedures were followed, correct?

Posted by wormletter on November 1, 2009 at 4:46 PM

@wormletter.
No, not really.

Posted by tacomagirl on November 1, 2009 at 4:52 PM

#1

Washington is a fire at will state. Nothing in the way of notice or reason is required under any law.

Labor union or individual contract might change that, adding requirements, but, not because of statute.

Signed: A Nice Boss, who has kicked ass out the door several times

Posted by Clyde Ronson on November 1, 2009 at 6:28 PM

This is a right to get fired state.

Posted by MrBaker

on November 1, 2009 at 7:33 PM

"I don't think you can fire someone without adequate notice and documentation."

Oh that is just precious.

Posted by undead ayn rand on November 1, 2009 at 9:55 PM

Oh and I have to address that stupid ass "unemployed stoner festival" comment.
The performances are during the day because it's for children. You know...like...school kids. On field trips mainly. The performances aren't for childless aging capital hill hipsters. What the hell?

Posted by t5tchick on November 2, 2009 at 11:38 AM

t5tchick, it can’t be both?

Under Andrea Wagner’s leadership, SICF has brought a stunning range of international performance art to Seattle audiences. Only On the Boards (where Wagner spent 13 years as Managing Director) matches the Giant Magnet’s dedication to seeking out the best of what’s happening internationally and bringing it to Seattle. Yes, it’s a children’s festival. But kids tend to have less rigid ideas about what constitutes art – if anything, the fact that it’s curated toward children makes it a better, more challenging festival for adults. My understanding is that the (great) rebranding campaign was undertaken in part to try to get out from under the “for kids only” label and attract more audiences of all ages, including those childless, aging, Capitol Hill hipsters.

Andrea Wagner has served our city admirably for decades. That board has some explaining to do.

Posted by Holly Arsenault on November 2, 2009 at 12:56 PM

I agree with Holly.

I think Andrea and the whole team have been doing a great job. "Smile off your face" last year was a fantastic show and a great example of how refined, mature, illuminating, profound and intimate theater can be, while still being child-friendly.

Andrea is a talented leader - professional, nationally respected, intelligent. I think this is a big loss.

Posted by S.E. on November 3, 2009 at 5:29 PM

"Smile off your face" was pure genius. Kudos to Brian and Andrea's bold vision.

Posted by chickchick on November 5, 2009 at 11:22 PM