Dear TexARTS Friends and Family,

As we celebrate our 20th year of service to the community, we have a meaningful opportunity to reflect on all that we have accomplished and to dream boldly about what lies ahead.

For the past 20 years, it has been our great privilege to produce exceptional professional theatre while educating and inspiring the next generation of emerging artists. Just three years ago, we began an exciting new chapter—searching for and purchasing a permanent home, then renovating the building to create a state-of-the-art theatre, academy, and event center, and finally opening the doors to a space where creativity can thrive for decades to come.

None of this would have been possible without you. Your passionate commitment to TexARTS has empowered dreams to take shape, young performers to find their voices, and rising stars to shine brightly on our stage.

These past four action-packed years have called on every part of my background and I have been honored to help guide this organization through such a transformative time. Along the way, we have celebrated glowing reviews, powerful performances, and nominations in every category of BroadwayWorld’s Austin Awards—achievements that belong to our entire TexARTS family.

After much reflection, I have decided that it is time to make way for the next great leader of this organization. I am delighted to announce that Andrew Cannata will be the next Executive Director. Andrew is a seasoned arts executive and actor. You may remember him as “Buddy the Elf” in Elf the Musical or the dentist (Orin Scrivello) in Little Shop of Horrors on stage at TexARTS. He was the Executive Artistic Director of Zilker Summer Musicals and he started his own non-profit production company, Magnolia Musical Theatre just after the pandemic. You may have seen his productions in the Hill Country Galleria Plaza - Beauty & the Beast, Footloose or The SpongeBob Musical.

Over the next few months, I will continue to manage TexARTS while supporting a thoughtful and successful transition. Although I will step down as Executive Director after July, I am thrilled to remain deeply connected to this mission by joining the TexARTS Board of Directors and continuing to champion the stage and the people who bring it to life.

Thank you for your unwavering support and for the countless memories that will forever fill this chapter of my life. We have laughed, cried, and rejoiced together, and I am profoundly grateful for every moment. I look forward with excitement to the vision Andrew will bring as he leads TexARTS into its next chapter. Please join me in congratulating him and in offering him the same generosity and encouragement you have always shown me.