Stearns to leave post as Detroit Lakes theatre director after 20 years

Amy Stoller Stearns has been with the Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes since April 2002 — just a couple of months after she and her husband Mike made the move to the community from the Twin Cities. On Monday, April 18, Stearns announced that she will be leaving the theater at the end of July to take on a leadership position at a soon-to-be-formed local nonprofit.

By Vicki Gerdes

April 18, 2022 at 4:09 PM

DETROIT LAKES — After 20 years under the leadership of Executive Director Amy Stoller Stearns, Detroit Lakes' Historic Holmes Theatre will soon be helmed by a new captain.

Peter Jacobson, CEO of the Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center, which operates the theater, announced via Facebook on Monday, April 18 that Stearns will be leaving her post at the end of July.

Jacobson lauded Stearns' "creativity, passion, above and beyond commitment and leadership," and noted that under her guidance the theater has become "known regionally and beyond for providing high quality cultural and artistic experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds."

Shortly after Jacobson's post appeared on the DLCCC's Facebook page, Stearns confirmed it with the following:

"I am beyond grateful for the experiences I’ve had in this position at the Holmes and absolutely awed and inspired by the countless audiences, colleagues/co-workers, artists, community members, sponsors, donors, and volunteers that have been a part of this journey," she wrote. "Together, we’ve been able to create and expand the Holmes into all that it is today."

Look for an interview with Stearns about her work with the theater, and her plans for the future, in a future edition of the Detroit Lakes Tribune.

By Vicki Gerdes

A reporter at Detroit Lakes Newspapers since relocating to the community in October 2000, Vicki was promoted to Community News Lead for the Detroit Lakes Tribune and Perham Focus on Jan. 1, 2022. She has covered pretty much every "beat" that a reporter can be assigned, from county board and city council to entertainment, crime and even sports. Born and raised in Madelia, Minnesota, she is a graduate of Hamline University, from which she earned a bachelor's degree in English literature (writing concentration). You can reach her at vgerdes@dlnewspapers.com.

Stearns to leave post as Detroit Lakes theatre director after 20 years

For almost as long as there has been a Historic Holmes Theatre, Amy Stoller Stearns has been at its helm. But at the end of July, Stearns will be leaving her post as the theater's executive director. She plans to take on a new role as leader of a soon-to-be-formed nonprofit organization.