We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We are thrilled to introduce our latest recipient, Michael Simkins, Ed.D., a volunteer with the SLO Repertory Theater.
We are proud to present the SESLOC Cares for Community Award to Michael Simkins!
For more than 17 years, Michael Simkins has helped shape the future of San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre based on his own experience as an educator. Michael had a 15-year career as a schoolteacher in the Los Angeles area teaching drama and musical theatre workshops for elementary and middle school students. Following his own passions, the UC Santa Barbara and UCLA alum sharpened his performance skills through starring in community theatre productions and taking acting workshops.
Michael moved back to the Central Coast in 1987 when he became principal at Baywood Elementary School. In semi-retirement, he joined the SLO Repertory Theater board in 2009. As a longtime board member, multiple-term Board President, current Board Secretary and generous supporter, his leadership has guided the theatre through remarkable growth and its most ambitious project yet—a new downtown venue. Now in their 80th season, the company performs a wide range of musicals and contemporary shows, ranging from an adaptation of Finding Nemo to a staged reading of Wallace Shawn’s The Designated Mourner.
When not on the stage, Michael has served the community as president of the UCLA Alumni Central Coast Network, has lectured at Cal Poly and supports professional growth and leadership through Spokes, San Luis Obispo County’s resource center for nonprofits.
Michael’s unwavering commitment to the performing arts continues to enrich the cultural life of the Central Coast.
Congratulations on being recognized as SESLOC’s Community Cares Award recipient!