Bill Text: SC H5437 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Michael Genevie
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 80-44)
Status: (Passed) 2018-06-27 - Introduced and adopted [H5437 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-H5437-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO CONGRATULATE MICHAEL GENEVIE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, HONOR HIM FOR HIS NEARLY FORTY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ABBEVILLE OPERA HOUSE, AND WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS TO COME.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to pause in their deliberations to applaud Michael Genevie, who served for nearly forty years with great distinction as executive director of the Abbeville Opera House and now enjoys a well-deserved retirement that began at the end of the theatre's winter 2018 season; and
Whereas, in preparation for his career, Michael received his bachelor's degree in theatre from Fairmont State University and his master's degree in directing from the renowned Florida State University School of Theatre. Over the years, he has staged over one hundred thirty professional productions throughout the country and has become a familiar face to national television and film audiences through his many appearances in films and television shows; and
Whereas, in performing more than seventy-five roles in television shows and feature films, Michael has worked with actors such as Rod Steiger, Andy Griffith, Carroll O'Connor, Amy Poehler, Owen Wilson, and Zach Galifianakis. Among his many performing credits are appearances in My Cousin Vinny, Mr. Destiny, That Darn Cat, Manhunt in the Dakotas, In the Heat of the Night, Matlock, Savannah, Dawson's Creek, The Locket, Chiefs, American Gothic, I'll Fly Away, and The New Professionals; and
Whereas, in addition, Michael teaches acting, directing, scriptwriting, and public speaking at both Presbyterian College and Erskine College; and
Whereas, he clearly remembers what drew him to the Abbeville Opera House. He was running his own theatre company after college graduation in the 1970s, and while he was touring South Carolina, someone with the opera house gave him a card and asked him to check out Abbeville. When he visited, he saw a turn-of-the-century theatre that, as he puts it, "no one would ever believe was in a little town like Abbeville." Not long after, his company took up residency at the Abbeville Opera House, and in 1979 Michael took up his duties there as executive director. He feels fortunate to have spent so much of his life doing something he is passionate about; and
Whereas, also during his years at the opera house, Michael met his wife, Kathy, and the two are the proud parents of three grown children, Michael, Justin, and Meg; and
Whereas, under Michael's direction, the Abbeville Opera House was named the Official Rural Drama State Theatre of South Carolina, granted the South Carolina Governor's Travel Award for Tourism (twice), and honored as the Outstanding Community-Based Attraction in South Carolina by the South Carolina Travel Council; and
Whereas, the House is delighted to learn that Michael Genevie will continue to work with the Abbeville Opera House in an advisory role as director emeritus; and
Whereas, Michael Genevie has greatly enriched the lives of the people of South Carolina, most particularly those of the Abbeville community, who appreciate his contributions, leadership, and many achievements. The members of the House unite in charging Michael to "break a leg" in all his future artistic endeavors. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Michael Genevie on the occasion of his retirement, honor him for his nearly forty years of outstanding service as executive director of the Abbeville Opera House, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years to come.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Genevie.
