Sheldon Epps Named TUTS' New Artistic Advsior

Theatre Under The Stars announced today that Sheldon Epps will lead the organization through its current transition. Epps will assume the role of Artistic Advisor supporting all aspects of the company.

Mr. Epps has been Artistic Director of the renowned Pasadena Playhouse since 1997. Before beginning his tenure at The Playhouse, he served as Associate Artistic Director of the Old Globe Theatre for four years. He was also a co-founder of the off-Broadway theatre, The Production Company. Epps has directed both plays and musicals at many of the country's major theatres including the Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, the Guthrie, Playwrights Horizons, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, and the Goodman Theatre. He conceived the highly acclaimed musicals Play On! and Blues In the Night, which both received Tony Award nominations. He directed productions of both of those shows on Broadway, in London, and at theatres around the world.

Amy Pierce, Chair of the Board of Directors said, "We are eager to see TUTS into the next era. Our company has been an integral part of our community for nearly 50 years, and recognize that in order to continue to meet the needs of our ever-growing audiences, we must evolve. We sought the partnership of an experienced Artistic Advisor to help us through this transition. We looked to someone with expertise in a similar organization, a proven track record of success on a national level, and someone who could help us realign our company to play in the competitive landscape of top regional theatres. We have been lucky to find that partner in Sheldon Epps."

Sheldon Epps said, "I began my professional theatre career many years ago in Houston as an actor at the Alley Theatre. In many ways I have always felt a connection to the city because it was so important to me early in my professional life. I am thrilled to once again have an association with the strong and vibrant theatrical community in Houston, and in particular with TUTS, a company with an illustrious history, which also has the admirable ambition, the resources, and the capability to grow, prosper and evolve into a major American theatre. I am more than pleased to lend whatever counsel and assistance I can to that noble goal."

Chair-Elect Randy Stilley said, "As we look ahead to the next 50 years, Sheldon Epps will help usher TUTS into a new echelon of the musical theatre community. Through this partnership we plan to evolve our entire organization, and strengthen the company from its core."

Theatre Under The Stars is refocusing the vision to align with the rapidly evolving landscape of the local and national markets. As Houston continues to climb the list of the largest cities in America, the diversity of the population affords great opportunities to attract new audiences to TUTS' wide variety of programs.

Epps joins Dave Clemmons, the recently appointed Dean of the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre (HSMT), as the changing face of new leadership at Theatre Under The Stars.

Further information regarding the 2016-17 season will be announced in the coming weeks.

Photo by Walter McBride

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