WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VARIETY. By John F. Bailey. November 17, 2005, UPDATED 4:05 P.M. E.S.T.: Ray Cullom is no longer employed as Executive Director of the White Plains Performing Arts Center.  

He has also left as Executive Director of the Helen Hayes Theater Company, Artistic Director of WPPAC Tony Stimac confirmed moments ago.

Mr. Cullom was introduced with much fanfare four months ago as the new Executive Director of not only White Plains Performing Arts Center, but was also filling the same function for the Helen Hayes Theater Company in Nyack, working with Tony Stimac, Artistic Director at Helen Hayes.

Mr. Cullom announced today to WPCNR in a written statement that he is no longer affiliated with White Plains Performing Arts Center as follows:

John:

I just read an article of yours about the WPPAC from a couple weeks back -- saying you were trying to get hold of me. Didn't get the message - sorry.

FYI - I have voluntarily left the employ of the WPPAC, so any inquires about what is going on should go to Kathy Davisson - the Operations Manager.

Ray Cullom

WPCNR has put a call to Tony Stimac, Producing Director of the White Plains Performing Arts Center for clarification of Mr. Cullom's departure, and what it means for the WPPAC's future operations. WPCNR has also left a message with Mr. Cullom for comment.

Stimac responded to WPCNR, and WPCNR asked him to confirm that Mr. Cullom had left. Stimac said, "Why don't you call the President of the Board on that. It's Chauncey Walker. Talk to Chauncey about it."

WPCNR asked Stimac if Cullom had left his Helen Hayes post too, and Stimac said, "Correct."

Asked if WPPAC would be searching for another Executive Director Stimac responded, "After the Board and I have considered everything. But ask Chauncey. I can speak for the Helen Hayes."

On a related matter, asked about a report that WPPAC and Helen Hayes had cancelled their contracts with Actors Equity, Stimac explained: "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. If you don't understand what it means, be careful about what you say. All we have done is request the bond back. The bonds go up and down two or three times a year all the time. You put the bond up, you do your shows, you take it down. Why should I let them (Actors Equity) have my money until March?"

Asked if his suspending the Actors Equity contract was routine operation, Stimac said, "Absolutely."

WPCNR asked if he was planning to renew the Actors Equity contract in March. Stimac said, "Yes."

Stimac said that he would be replacing Mr. Cullom as Director of A Christmas Carol, the December 10 opening holiday show at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. He said "It's going to be even better than last year."

WPCNR asked Mr. Stimac if he had any comments on why Mr. Cullom departed, and Stimac said, "I think ask Chauncey that, he's the President that would be most appropriate."

WPCNR will continue to follow this developing story. Mr. Cullom has written WPCNR "I'm not prepared to discuss this for the record.

Two voice mail messages were left by WPCNR for Mr. Walker to explain this matter, at his law offices at Cuddy Feder Thursday and Friday, and Mr. Walker has not responded.