Fort Worth's Courtney Franks Returns From Broadway, DTC, and Houston's Alley Theatre, to Act as Casa Associate Producer.

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 23, 1998--Denton Yockey, Executive Producer of Casa Manana Musicals, Inc., has announced that Courtney Franks, veteran of stage and theatre management positions in New York and Texas, has joined Casa as Associate Producer.

"Courtney Franks has both talent and intelligence," Mr. Yockey said. "These combine to play a vital role in the future success of Casa Manana in both the artistic and business realms. Her experience and dedication to the theatre and Casa Manana are invaluable."

Ms. Franks has a genetic predisposition to a Casa affiliation. Her grandfather, James C. Fuller is a former board president of the organization. Her father, Bud Franks, was the Executive Producer of Casa Manana from 1974-1991. Her mother, Francelle Fuller Franks, was resident choreographer for several years during that time. As a child, Courtney worked in the box office, business office, sold concessions, and performed on stage as part of Casa Manana's Playhouse and summer season productions.

"I grew up in this theatre. I am thrilled to be back," she smiled.

And grow up she did. Ms. Franks graduated with Honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She appeared on Broadway, playing several roles in the successful revival of Peter Pan, which received a Tony nomination. Then she headed back to Texas to work as Assistant to the Managing Director/Board Liaison for the Alley Theatre in Houston. Her next stop was Dallas, where she served as Company Manager for the Dallas Theater Center.

Ms. Franks is a member of numerous academic honor societies and Actors' Equity Association.

Casa Manana, a Fort Worth landmark since 1936, is one of the Southwest's most prolific live professional theatrical enterprises, presenting self-produced shows and Broadway Tours. The theatre also provides one of the most extensive children's theatre production schedules in the nation. Casa production venues include a theatre-in-the-round in the cultural district of Fort Worth; Theatre on the Square located in Sundance Square, downtown Fort Worth; and the famous Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall, in the heart of downtown Fort Worth.