Since 2009 Franz Lehrbass has been the general manager of the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium in Brandon, Manitoba. There he led the organization by modernizing its administration, managing a series of capital renovation projects, diversifying its capital funding, expanding its mandate and growing its overall business while delivering event services to a wide variety of professional, educational and community clients.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Royal & McPherson Theatres Society. In meeting the RMTS staff I’ve discovered a team of professionals, each very experienced and deeply committed to providing excellent service to the clients and patrons of the Royal and McPherson theatres. I’d also like to express my gratitude to Lloyd Fitzsimonds and the RMTS board for their excellent stewardship and development of these two historic theatres over the last twenty years. I am both inspired and humbled to be joining this highly collaborative team, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.” said Franz.
Originally from South-Western Ontario, Franz studied classical music performance at the University of Western Ontario and audio engineering technology from the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology. From 2000 to 2001 Franz worked for the Silicon Valley startup company Quack.com, where he developed audio-editing algorithms and managed their audio engineering team. In 2001 Franz was hired as a producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio Music department. There he produced and edited live concert recordings, programmed music, prepared and edited interviews and directed talent for several CBC Radio Two programs. Franz reflects, “My career is about working behind the scenes, supporting the work of others as they create transformational experiences. I’m eager to dive into this new and wonderful opportunity.”
Franz is a proud member of a dynamic five-person household. Partner Aimee works on a variety of non-profit projects as a researcher/writer and administrator. Daughter Geneviève is an insightful cartoonist and enthusiast of the performing arts. Son Aidan is an accomplished downhill skier and bicyclist. Son Martin is a passionate advocate of construction equipment, agricultural equipment, and babies. Aimee, Geneviève, Aidan and Martin will remain in Brandon to complete the school year and enjoy one more prairie winter. This summer the family will embark on a road-trip adventure from Brandon to their new home on beautiful Vancouver Island.