Former Michigan Theatre Board Member Speaks Out After Director's Dismissal

Hattie Oliver criticizes the board's decision to remove longtime director Steve Tucker and her own removal from the board.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A former Michigan Theatre board member, Hattie Oliver, is speaking out after the board dismissed longtime director Steve Tucker in January. Oliver opposed Tucker's dismissal but was outvoted by other board members. She also raised concerns that the controversy is having a financial impact on the theatre, with donors holding their pledges and events moving to other venues. Oliver herself has since been dismissed from the theatre board.

Why it matters

The Michigan Theatre is a long-standing cultural institution in the Jackson community, and the dismissal of its director and the subsequent board shakeup have raised concerns about the theatre's future direction and financial stability.

The details

Hattie Oliver, a former Michigan Theatre board member, said the theatre was doing well under Steve Tucker's nearly 15-year leadership as director. However, Oliver was outvoted by other board members in opposing Tucker's dismissal in January. Oliver believes the controversy surrounding Tucker's removal is having a negative financial impact on the theatre, with donors holding back pledges and events moving to other venues. Oliver also expressed concern that the board does not have a clear plan to carry the theatre in a positive direction. This week, Oliver herself was dismissed from the theatre board.

  • Steve Tucker served as director of the Michigan Theatre for nearly 15 years.
  • Tucker was dismissed from his position as director in January 2026.
  • Hattie Oliver was a former board member who opposed Tucker's dismissal but was outvoted.
  • Oliver was dismissed from the Michigan Theatre board this week.

The players

Steve Tucker

The former director of the Michigan Theatre, who served in that role for nearly 15 years before being dismissed in January 2026.

Hattie Oliver

A former member of the Michigan Theatre board who opposed the dismissal of director Steve Tucker but was outvoted by other board members. Oliver was subsequently dismissed from the board this week.

Tony Hollow

The director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, who said his organization has not moved its events to another venue and believes the community's support for the Michigan Theatre extends beyond its leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Under Steve's leadership, the theatre was going fine. The people were happy and I think there were very positive events.”

— Hattie Oliver, Former Michigan Theatre Board Member (fox47news.com)

“I said at a meeting 'we should have something prepared', but obviously, there was nothing prepared. And to date, I don't see anything being prepared to carry the theatre in a positive direction.”

— Hattie Oliver, Former Michigan Theatre Board Member (fox47news.com)

“Our community is bigger than that, and Michigan Theatre and Big Brothers are huge parts of the Jackson community. And we have to keep our mind laser focused on that... not all the other stuff that goes with it.”

— Tony Hollow, Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters (fox47news.com)

What’s next

The Michigan Theatre board will need to address the concerns raised by former board member Hattie Oliver and work to restore stability and community support for the theatre.

The takeaway

The dismissal of the Michigan Theatre's long-serving director and the subsequent shakeup on the board have raised questions about the theatre's future direction and financial health. However, community leaders like Tony Hollow believe the theatre remains an important institution that deserves the community's continued support, regardless of the leadership changes.