After eight years of leadership, Colin Hovde will step down as the artistic director of Theater Alliance in June 2019, at the conclusion of the 18/19 Season. A search for his successor will begin this summer.
"These past years at Theater Alliance have been challenging and fulfilling, and I am so proud of all the work," Hovde said. "The Theater Alliance of today is a culmination of the vision, and commitment of its founders, the community, and all who have been a part of our mission. I am honored to have been able to serve as the artistic director over these last years. Through the dedication and support of so many, we've had a greater impact than I could have imagined."
"It is time that we make space for new leadership at Theater Alliance, and it is also time that I make space for myself. I cannot wait to see the next artistic director build on the success of the company and take it to new heights. I look forward to Theater Alliance continuing, as the resident company at Anacostia Playhouse, to serve as a part of the Anacostia community and the Washington theater family. Over the next year I am committed to working alongside the new artistic director to ensure a smooth transition."
A catalyst for innovation and diversity, Theater Alliance produces thought-provoking and socially pertinent work, successfully uniting audiences of all backgrounds through the power of creative presentation and participation.
Board President Molly Singer praises Hovde's work and impact on the community. "Colin has been invaluable in cementing Theater Alliance's mission and leveraging the art of theater to facilitate difficult conversations and promote thought-provoking works that engage the community in dialogue. Because of his sterling character, Colin is a leader, a professional, and an artist who draws people to him and raises the level or work, discourse, and commitment to an issue or piece of theater. I have particularly loved seeing actors, playwrights, and directors cultivate careers under his guidance, and through his commitment to fostering socially conscious theater. I think every person who has attended a Theater Alliance production and post-performance discussion has learned how to see, listen, and participate in new ways."
During Hovde's tenure, Theater Alliance has staged 26 productions and received 16
Helen Hayes Awards. It has seen productions re-mounted, presented locally and even produced off-Broadway. The company has anchored its artistic work in community action, partnering with groups like Black Lives Matter, TransLatin@ Coalition, Whitman-Walker Health, Black Girl Vision, Girls Inc, TransLaw, TransLatina, Words Beats Life, and Young Playwrights Theatre to explore how the themes onstage interface with our daily lives. It has made its programming accessible through partnerships with DC schools and name your own price tickets to all productions. And it has supported local talent and new play development, enriching our vibrant artistic community.
The board of Theater Alliance will be launching a local search for a new artistic director and, as part of that search, will be conducting focus groups among artists, supporters, and community members. To participate in a focus group, send an email to
board@theateralliance.com.
"Under my tenure at Theater Alliance, I have been honored to work with so many fiercely talented artists, hungry and engaged audiences, and courageous donors and supporters. I have no regrets about the hours and passion that I have poured into this company alongside so many others. But I know that now is the time to make space for someone else to take over, to step in and catapult this company to new heights. I am certain that the next leader of Theater Alliance will share the company's vision of how theater can foster nuanced conversations around shared stories, represent the full spectrum of who we are in this moment, and act as a catalyst for focused personal and social action in our community.
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