Enter Stage Left: Houston Theater (Finally) Names New Executive Director

HOUSTON, TX — It's taken 10 months, but Theater Under The Stars has a new executive director. Her name is Hillary Hart, and she brings experience most recently from the Guthrie Theatre, one of the nation's most respected regional arts organizations.

“Though I leave behind a respected, dynamic team of collaborators and artists at the Guthrie, the opportunity to work alongside the talented, dedicated staff and Board of TUTS is an immense privilege I eagerly embrace," Hart said in a press release. "At this watershed moment for the organization and for our industry, we have an opportunity to reflect the legacy of this valued institution while meaningfully broadening our social impact and remaining a palpably important contributor to the lives of our most important stakeholders – the community we serve. I am eager to bring my family to Houston and become part of that community.”

Hart was credited with stewarding The Guthrie through a transition focusing on equity, diversity, and inclusion to deepen community engagement. She also expand programming and maintained balanced budgets. Before her stint at the Minneapolis-based Guthrie, Hart was the Dallas Theater Center's general manager, serving in that capacity for seven years.

“With her experience and expertise, Ms. Hart is the perfect complement to support the bold artistic vision of Sheldon Epps — we can’t wait to see the remarkable things they will accomplish together,” Amy Pierce, chair of the board for TUTS, said in the release. Epps has been serving as the group's artistic adviser since May.

“Hillary and I have worked at many of the same theatres over the years (though, alas, not at the same time)," Epps added. "So, I recognize and celebrate the wealth of experience that she brings to TUTS and know that the company will benefit greatly from her knowledge, her passion for the theatre, and her desire to be of service to TUTS as it grows and evolves in the near and far future. I look forward to working with her, and I feel sure that this will be a mutually beneficial relationship that will bring rewards to her, to TUTS, and to the Houston community.”

— Photo of Hillary Hart courtesy of Scott Treadway