MINNEAPOLIS: Theater Latté Da (TLD) has named Michelle Woster to be its new managing director. She will begin her new post on Jan. 2, 2018.  Woster succeeds Robin Gillette, who held the position of interim managing director. Previously, leadership was shared between Jean Hartman, senior director of finance and operation, and Seena Hodges, senior director of marketing and development.

The company is expanding its staff capacity to support the efforts of managing its new theatre and its ongoing commitment to developing new musical theatre works and touring original shows across the country. Woster will oversee the business aspects of the company, with a focus on development and operations. The company has also brought on Elissa Adams as its associate artistic director.

“After our recent strategic planning, the board felt strongly that now was the time to ‘lean in’ to our ambitions to become a nationally recognized center for the creation of the new canon of American musical theatre, while establishing our new home at the Ritz Theater as a community hub in Northeast Minneapolis. These two additions to our staff will help bring our ambitions to life,” said board chair Jaime Roman in a statement.

Most recently, Woster has held senior development positions at the Center for Victims of Torture and the Family Partnership. Previously she served as the first managing director of Ten Thousand Things, a position she held for 10 years. Woster holds a B.A. in English from the University of St. Thomas, and a M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill.

“I am excited to start meeting many of Latté Da’s donors and patrons, who have carried the company to its 20th season, and to build new relationships with theatre enthusiasts looking to invest in the creation of new work and the artists who will bring those stories to life,” said Woster in a statement.