Gene Columbus

Executive Director
Orlando Repertory Theatre

Gene has spent more than 38 years in leadership roles with the Walt Disney Organization with Live Show Production. During that time he spent more than two decades interviewing, evaluating, and coaching as well as mentoring thousands of Entertainment professionals. He retired from Disney in early 2008 to focus his time in the world of non-profit as the Executive Director of the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Gene served as Associate Professor of Theatre at University of Central Florida focusing on Stage Management for eleven years as well as being one of the founding members of the University of Central Florida Theatre Professional Advisory Board. As an author, his book “The Complete Guide to Careers In Special Events” (John Wiley and Sons 2010) is being used in colleges and universities in America, Australia, and the United Kingdom provides an overview of job interviewing from resume and cover letter writing to interview follow up recommendations.

Gene is a very active member of the community having been inducted into the Events Solutions "Special Events Hall of Fame" as well as having been honored by various organizations including "Volunteer of the Year" by United Arts of Central Florida. Gene had a successful performing career in Motion Pictures, Television and Musical Theatre which provides him with lots of materials to shares with his "stories with a moral" to help individuals with their career and personal development. Gene has been married to dance teacher, Miss Becky, for over 48 years and has two sons, both in the performing arts.