The removal of Sean Patrick Smith from the board of the Richmond County Theater League has sparked discussion among supporters, community members, and local arts advocates who are questioning both the process and the reasoning behind the decision.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, Smith was removed from the board without prior notice or an opportunity to address the concerns that led to the action. Critics of the decision argue that such a process is inconsistent with the organization’s internal guidelines and raises concerns about transparency and fairness in the nonprofit’s governance.
Supporters of Smith also contend that his removal was influenced by his outspoken criticism of public officials and local government decisions in Hamlet. Smith has frequently used public meetings, journalism, and social media to question government actions and advocate for greater accountability from elected and appointed officials.
However, supporters emphasize that Smith’s civic and journalistic activities were conducted independently of his role with the Richmond County Theater League. They argue that his public advocacy never interfered with his responsibilities to the organization and that he consistently separated his theater-related duties from his personal and professional efforts to report on matters of public concern.
“Sean’s opinions on local government were his own,” said one supporter. “At no point did his advocacy work prevent him from fulfilling his obligations to the theater. In fact, many would argue he went above and beyond in serving the organization.”
Among Smith’s accomplishments, supporters note his involvement in recruiting guest directors and in assisting with productions that increased attendance and revenue for the organization. Several community members have described his efforts as a significant factor in the theater’s most profitable performances.
“ I came in at a time when the less-than-adaptable director quit, and the theater was at a loss about what to do about it. With the tiny budget we have, we were never going to be anything but someone’s side hustle, so I created the guest director format and took over PR duties.”
The result was the production of Dearly Departed, the theater’s most successful show to date.
“And those directors will not return because of Anitra’s conduct during the show run. Despite her placid facade, Anitra is territorial, gets passive-aggressive, and is non-compliant. For instance, she’s been president for as long as I can remember, and we are supposed to vote on new officers every year.”
Those critical of the board’s decision argue that removing a board member for viewpoints expressed outside the organization, particularly when those views have no direct impact on the organization’s operations, raises important questions about freedom of expression and the treatment of volunteers who dedicate substantial time and effort to community institutions.
“I don’t know if anyone noticed, “ adds Smith, “but with all the Hamlet politics, I ‘ve avoided the theater and avoided writing columns for the Richmond Observer out of respect for those institutions.”
“Whether someone agrees with Sean’s positions or not is beside the point,” said another supporter. “The issue is whether a person who has contributed years of service to a community organization should be removed without notice for activities unrelated to the mission of that organization.”
Others within the community have called for the Richmond County Theater League to provide a public explanation regarding the circumstances of Smith’s removal and to clarify whether the organization’s governing policies were followed.
“Oh, President Anitra Robinson apparently dug up the bylaws she never consults, looking for an excuse,” says Smith.
Smith has called out the president’s behavior in board meetings.
“Politics was an excuse,” says Smith. “It was a selfish decision and a bad decision for the theater, done in a secret and cowardly way. It was disrespectful to what I’ve done for the theater, and this event broke my daughter’s heart when she learned of it.”
The Richmond County Theater League has long been recognized as an important cultural institution in Richmond County, providing opportunities for local performers, directors, and volunteers while bringing theatrical productions to audiences throughout the region.
“Hopefully, one day, Hamlet will have a community theater that offers a diversity of shows, and that welcomes everyone in to do their thing,” says Smith.
At the time of publication, supporters of Smith continue to maintain that his public advocacy efforts never conflicted with his obligations to the theater and that his contributions to the organization should be judged on the quality of his service rather than his willingness to speak on matters of public concern.
“You know, I lost money— a lot—friends, the theater, still gettin’ sued. Still worth it. Freedom has a price. And Hamlet needed freedom. It’s not like I’m the only one who lost stuff.”