Dallas Theater Center Managing Director Heather Kitchen was making her farewell rounds among the Centerstage crowd on Saturday, May 9, at the Wyly. Sure, she announced her retirement back in September, but shoot who thought the day would really come when she would hand over the managing director duties over to someone else?
Well, the announcement was made today that Jeffrey Woodward will assume just such duties in July. He brings with him some impressive credentials including managing director at Syracuse Stage since 2008 and 17 years at McCarter Theatre to name a few.
According to DTC Board Chair Rebecca Fletcher, “We are thrilled to have Jeff join the team at Dallas Theater Center. During the months-long search for a new managing director, we reviewed many candidates with impressive qualifications. Jeff stood out because of his experience helping theaters cultivate their donor bases and developing long-term financial frameworks to support artistic growth. We have no doubt that Jeff’s leadership will be of value for many years to come.”
DTC Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty added, “Jeff will bring to Dallas Theater Center his vast experience as a theater administrator, his deep love for the art form, and his impressive leadership skills, which will make him an incredible asset at this exciting moment of growth and transformation for DTC and North Texas. I am eager to begin working with him this summer to build on the work Heather has done and to continue elevating DTC’s work in our local community and within the national theater field.”
Jeff said, ““I am very excited about moving to Dallas and joining Dallas Theater Center. The theater is in the midst of an amazing transformation. Kevin Moriarty and the staff have done an extraordinary job in elevating the artistic scope and quality of the productions while expanding the theater’s commitment to the community. The board of trustees, a large and diverse group of funders, and the audience have strongly embraced and supported this expansion of activity. The city is also in the midst of a transformation and I am thrilled that the arts are being seen as a key part of Dallas’ present and future.”
As for Heather, she’s delighted since she describes Jeff “as a colleague for almost 20 years.” And, no, Heather is not leaving the love of the boards totally. She’ll be sharing her talents with SMU.
* Photo provided by Dallas Theater Center