Seventeen years after they founded it, Van and Susie Ibsend decided to retire from the day-today responsibilites of the Theatre in the Park program. In an effort to continue this wonderful volunteer based program, the Mayor and City council established and appointed a five memeber Advisory Council who would oversee the transition to a community based organization 

The appointed Gladstone Theatre in the Park Advisory Council are: Becky Clark, Michelle Coon, Julie Crawford, Lennette Johnson, and Jennifer Kessler.

In addition to these five members, Van Ibsen will remain as "Artistic Director Emeritus", Faye Rader of the North Star Community Band and Sheila Lillis, Director of Parks and Recreation will also serve on this Council as non-voting memebers.