May River Theatre appoints Michael Disser to board

May River Theatre has appointed Michael Disser to its Board of Directors, adding a veteran sales and marketing leader as the nonprofit works to broaden its reach and deepen community ties.

The appointment, announced Aug. 20th, 2025, places Disser in a role overseeing sales and marketing team leadership with a focus on brand awareness, audience growth, and community engagement and support.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Mike to the MRT team,” Board Chair Elizabeth Schlieger said. “Mike’s remarkable ability to lead teams throughout his career makes him a strong addition to MRT. We look forward to adding more experienced professionals like Mike to our team as we continue to grow and attract more Lowcountry patrons to our shows.”

Disser has lived in the Lowcountry since 2009 with his wife, Rebekah, on Callawassie Island. His background includes executive sales and marketing posts at CCIS, NES Rentals, Levi’s and Sears. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University.

“I’m excited to utilize my passion for the arts and theatre at MRT,” Disser said. “I look forward to providing strategic direction, value and growth opportunities to the organization and our patrons.”

Founded more than two decades ago, May River Theatre presents plays and musicals for Bluffton audiences at Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge Street. The organization describes the appointment as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen operations and expand relationships across Greater Bluffton.

“This step reflects MRT’s ongoing commitment to growth rooted in building connections with the greater Bluffton community for more than two decades,” the theater said in its announcement.

As a nonprofit, MRT relies on ticket sales, donations, sponsorships and partnerships to sustain programming. The theater’s leaders said Disser’s experience will support initiatives aimed at increasing attendance, elevating the brand and creating new opportunities for collaboration with local businesses and civic groups.

For information about partnering with May River Theatre or to learn more about upcoming productions, visit mayrivertheatre.com. The box office and administrative offices are at Ulmer Auditorium, 20 Bridge Street, Bluffton, SC 29910.