Music Center’s Chief Operating Officer Quits

Allan H. Colman, who took over as chief operating officer of the Music Center Operating Co. two years ago, has quit over apparent differences with the board, it became known Wednesday.

Colman, 44, a former Fresno County administrative officer, described his departure from the facility management post as “amicable” and said he has been wanting to “do some independent producing and exploring the possibility of some consulting.” His resignation, he said, “was a timely thing to do.”

In a letter to the performing organizations, Colman said his “experiences here and the friendships gained have been wonderful. I wish you all the best.”

Apparently not everyone on the board, however, supported Colman’s practice of increasing Music Center revenues by bringing in touring companies and outside shows when the resident performing companies were not using the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre or the Mark Taper Forum.

Eaton Ballard, the company committee chairman, conceded that Colman’s resignation was unexpected and because of “divergent views on the role of the operating committee at the Music Center. . . . It was just the result of some differences in Mr. Colman’s career objectives and the needs of the operating committee. . . . Obviously, we did not anticipate it and we have not made any plans for his replacement.”

He declined to be specific on what the divergent views were.

Colman came to the center job from Fresno in January, 1984, to replace William Severns, who retired after 20 years of managing the complex and its three theater facilities.