Spring musical shake-up as director Karen Robu steps down
A coworker with a serious health condition at the church she ministers for caused a shift in responsibility, leading her to overextend herself.
Fine arts patrons of Bethel College were surprised to learn that director Karen Robu would be stepping down from devoting her time to the show, “Tick, Tick… BOOM!”
“I am deeply saddened that I have to step away as performing and directing are two of the things that bring me the most joy, and I was really looking forward to working with this group of students on this particular show,” Robu told The Collegian.
Robu, who works part time both at Bethel College and the Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita, has had to take more responsibilities after the senior minister of Plymouth was admitted to the hospital with a serious health condition.
Because he may be out for several months, Robu is charged with taking his responsibilities as well as her own — meaning she has been working 12-plus hours daily to keep up, often with a commute between Wichita and Newton to boot.
In light of that, Robu knew she had to make a change. “I physically can’t do everything, and I feel I need to model healthy behaviors for both my congregation and my students,” Robu said.
According to a statement released by Vice President Bob Milliman on behalf of Bethel College, the search for a new director is on, and is led by Christine Crouse-Dick, the chair of the Communication Arts Department.
“Based on the progress made so far, I am confident that the leadership of the right individual for the position will be located,” said Miliman.
The rest of the directorial crew, composed of Dr. Henry Waters, Damon Klassen, and accompanist Dr. Christina Liu, will remain on board. The show’s dates remain unchanged: 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24, Saturday, March 25, as well as a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 26.
“I will be there in the audience to cheer them on,” Robu said.
UPDATE: Katie Schmidt, a Bethel alum, has been named as the replacement director.