Baltimore Rock Opera Society reports 72% ticket surge amid board turnover

The Baltimore Rock Opera Society, known locally as BROS, reported a 72 percent increase in ticket sales for its current production compared to the same period last year. The organization presented a preview of its new show, 'The Orb of Pondering,' at Zion Church of the City of Baltimore on Thursday night. This performance marks the group's return to the stage following the high-profile dismissal of its artistic director.

Marketing and communications director Cat Litten stated that ticket sales are up significantly from last fall's production of 'Garbage Quest.' No performances have sold out yet, but Litten noted that the venue holds approximately 120 audience members. The preview was attended by roughly 10 people, serving as a dress rehearsal before the official opening night scheduled for that evening.

The society is currently undergoing a major restructuring of its leadership team. An internal email obtained by The Baltimore Banner indicates that four of the six board members will step down by December 31. These departures include chair Naomi Davidoff, treasurer and co-founder Aran Keating, secretary Dom Cerquetti, and Dana Carr. The organization must fill these vacancies by the end of the year to maintain its nonprofit status and remain eligible for grants.

Litten described the search for new board members as proceeding well. She said the organization is confident it will secure the necessary candidates before the deadline. She declined to provide specific details about the search for a new artistic director or to comment on the former director.

The leadership change follows the firing of Kelly Carnes, who served as artistic director for only two weeks. Carnes was terminated after volunteers raised concerns about her wearing cornrows at a BROS event. Carnes stated that the braids were a protective style used during the windy conditions of the Burning Man festival in Nevada. She believes her hairstyle was the primary reason for her dismissal, which she described in the termination letter as a lack of fit.

Carnes' attorney, Owen Bement, confirmed that no lawsuit has been filed yet. He said Carnes is exploring legal options regarding whether the firing was discriminatory. The dispute remains unresolved, according to Bement. The controversy led BROS to restrict or disable comments on its Instagram and Facebook accounts, a measure that remained in place as of Friday.

The organization continues to perform its original rock opera productions, which feature heavy metal soundtracks and DIY costumes. 'The Orb of Pondering' is inspired by the board game Dungeons & Dragons. The show is part of a run that includes performances this weekend, next Thursday, and the following weekend. BROS is also planning its next major production, 'Aquarius Dreaming,' for the spring at Zion Church.