Trustus Theatre Welcomes Chad Henderson as Full-Time Artistic Director

Trustus Theatre today announced that it is progressing to its next level of leadership. Effective August 31st, Chad Henderson, the theatre's current co-artistic director, will take on full artistic responsibilities as Dewey Scott-Wiley leaves Trustus to pursue other artistic goals. In addition, Henderson will serve as interim managing director, taking over from current managing director Larry Hembree, who is retiring.

Director of Development Debbie Cohn will remain in her position, along with other members of the Trustus management team.

Hembree and Scott-Wiley became the management team at Trustus in 2012, shepherding the theatre through three award-winning high-growth seasons. Under their leadership, Trustus produced such stellar productions as "Next to Normal," "In the Red and Brown Water" and The Restoration's "Constance." In addition, they rebranded Trustus' second smaller theatre and had three seasons of sold-out productions. They also initiated a new program using theatre techniques as professional development for organizations and corporations.

Scott-Wiley, already a full-time faculty member at USC-Aiken, said she plans to devote more of her time to teaching. "Chad is ready for this," she added. "He's been with Trustus for a long time. It's in his bones, and his vision will keep it an exciting venue for new and amazing work."

Hembree, who came to Trustus following seven years as executive director at the Nickelodeon Theatre, is looking forward to some downtime. "Dewey and I were brought in to transition the theatre after the retirement of founders Jim and Kay Thigpen and we have," he said. "We've moved Trustus to the forefront of the attractions here in the Vista. Chad will continue and expand the theatre's place as a cultural destination."

The Trustus Board of Directors, chaired by Harrison Saunders, has started the search for a permanent managing director. "This is another step forward for Trustus, albeit one we take reluctantly," said Saunders, "and Larry will continue with us in an emeritus slot. New vision and new direction are the lifeblood of any arts organization. Trustus will not only continue but thrive."