Theater Under The Stars Parts With Artistic Director Bruce Lumpkin, Sheldon Epps New Artistic Advisor

The Houston Press reports that Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) has parted ways this morning with its Artistic Director Bruce Lumpkin.

Though no public release of the news has been made at this time, the media source reports that the information came from Jeff Cleveland, described as an independent marketing consultant brought in to help TUTS through a transition period. Cleveland said the announcement was made at an internal staff meeting this morning.

What was made public was a TUTS press release announcing a new "artistic advisor," Sheldon Epps, who will be in charge during the transition. According to the press release, Epps has been Artistic Director of the Pasadena Playhouse since 1997.

Cleveland declined to provide details other than to say that TUTS Underground, created by Lumpkin as an alternative program featuring productions with edgier themes and lower ticket prices, will continue and that new information will be released once it is decided upon.

Lumpkin has served as the company's artistic director since August 2012 and at that time announced his priority to attract younger audiences. Lumpkin was the subject of controversy in 2014 when the TUTS production Doug Wright, Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green's 2013 Broadway musical, HANDS ON A HARDBODY was presented with numerous unauthorized changes.

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