As Theatreworks approaches its milestone 50th season, the company is embracing a new chapter\u2014one marked by both continuity and thoughtful growth. Theatreworks recently announced a reimagined leadership structure that includes the creation of a new general director position alongside the appointment of only its third artistic director since its founding in 1975.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This updated model is the result of months of collaboration between Theatreworks staff and advisory board, Ent Center for the Arts leadership, UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet, and faculty partners. The new structure will place two senior leaders at the helm: a general director to guide strategic operations, and an artistic director to lead the company\u2019s creative vision\u2014supporting the artists, technicians, and storytellers who bring each production to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn late 2024, we began a series of conversations around what kind of leadership model would best serve Theatreworks, UCCS, and our broader community,\u201d said David Siegel, Executive Director of the Ent Center for the Arts. \u201cIt quickly became clear that expecting one person to carry the full weight of both administrative and artistic leadership was not sustainable. This new structure will allow us to support artists more deeply, better engage with our patrons and donors, and create new opportunities for young people in our community to fall in love with theatre.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The national search for Theatreworks\u2019 general director will officially launch in the coming weeks, with a diverse group of stakeholders from across the Theatreworks community participating in the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEngagement in the arts creates fertile soil for innovative new ideas,\u201d said UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet. \u201cAs UCCS continues to invest in creativity and cross-disciplinary collaboration\u2014especially through initiatives like C3 Innovation at UCCS\u2014we see Theatreworks and the Ent Center for the Arts as essential to our innovation ecosystem. Creativity fuels student success, faculty engagement, and meaningful partnerships across our community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Theatreworks Advisory Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to welcome Max Shulman as the company\u2019s next artistic director. Max will immediately begin leading the artistic charge for the Theatreworks 50th Birthday Season and will step fully into the role this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A familiar face to many, Max is an Associate Professor of Theatre in the UCCS Visual and Performing Arts Department, where he has taught for the past eight years. He currently serves as director of the Heller Center for the Arts and Humanities and has directed numerous productions for both Theatreworks and the UCCS Theatre Program\u2014including An Iliad, Pericles, and Henry IV\/V.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Max also leads the HomeFront Theatre Project, which presents performance events centered on the experiences of veterans and active-duty military personnel. In 2020, he received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant for his project \u201cFrom the Battlefield and Back Again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His scholarly work focuses on 19th and early 20th century U.S. theatre, with publications in Theatre Survey, Modern Drama, Theatre Topics, and more. Max holds a Ph.D. in Drama from Tufts University and degrees in Theatre and English from Northwestern. Before entering academia, he spent more than a decade as a working actor in New York City, performing in regional theatres across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve made my life in the theatre – mostly as a director and educator. I always marvel at its rich history, and its capacity to astonish and explore what it means to be a human being.\u201d said Shulman. \u201cTheatreworks has always stayed true to its values: respect for artists, a love of challenging stories, and a deep commitment to community. Colorado Springs has a vibrant theatre scene, and I\u2019m honored to help carry that momentum forward\u2014building on what\u2019s here and contributing to its next chapter as we celebrate our 50th season and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon learning of Max\u2019s new role, longtime Theatreworks patrons Trice and Randy Dipner responded, \u201cWe\u2019ve watched Theatreworks grow and evolve over the decades, and this feels like such a natural and inspiring next step. Max has always brought a depth of feeling to every production with which he is involved \u2014 we\u2019re thrilled to see him step into this role.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn behalf of the Theatreworks Advisory Board, I\u2019m delighted to welcome Max into this new role,\u201d said Lynne Hastings, Chair of the Theatreworks Board. \u201cMax is already part of the Theatreworks story, and we\u2019re confident he\u2019ll continue our 50-year tradition of theatre that challenges us, reflects our shared humanity, and celebrates the many voices that make up our community and our world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded in 1975, Theatreworks is dedicated to connecting, empowering, and delighting the community through the transformative power of live performance. Theatreworks has grown as a vibrant and inclusive space for artists and audiences alike. Visit entarts.org\/theatre<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Located on the UCCS campus, the Ent Center for the Arts is a first-class facility fostering creativity and collaboration. It serves as a central space for the arts, bringing together diverse ideas and people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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