DORSET, VT.: The Dorset Theatre Festival (DTF) announced the appointment of Molly Hennighausen as its new managing director on Wednesday. Hennighausen, who holds an MFA in theatre management from the Yale School of Drama, has previously served as managing director and managing director fellow at the Yale Cabaret and Center Stage in Baltimore, respectively.

Responsible for the administration and operation of festival activities, Hennighausen will work in partnership with artistic director Dina Janis and report directly to the board of directors.

“I am thrilled to welcome Molly as Managing Director at what is a watershed moment for DTF,” said Janis in a statement. “A comprehensive national search, during which dozens of top candidates were vetted for this position, led us to Molly, who absolutely stood out as a natural leader. She brings with her an outstanding skill set and an inherent understanding of all that is possible for the Festival at this time…and will allow us to build upon the momentum and success we have achieved during the past five years.”

Founded in 1976, Dorset Theatre Festival produces five mainstage productions between the months of June and September. Its annual writers retreat, now in its sixth year, has hosted playwrights Rajiv Joseph, Theresa Rebeck, and Adam Rapp, among others.