COLUMBIA, S.C.: Trustus Theatre Company has named Chad Henderson as its next producing artistic director. Henderson, who is the company’s current artistic director, will now serve in an executive capacity to lead the artists, staff, board, and the community.

The company’s board of directors voted to end a search for a managing director, which began in September, and decided to promote Henderson instead.

“Over the past several years, Trustus Theatre has been in a structural transition,” said Sumner Bender, president of the board of directors. “One of the only constants during that change has been Chad Henderson. The board of directors worked diligently over the past year to assess and evaluate the responsibilities and duties for an organizational leader. Many of those duties were already being performed by Mr. Henderson. A theatre organization is mutable, just like many smaller arts organizations, and it must be able to recognize when that change is needed. Therefore, when hiring an organizational leader, you can only hope for one that understands the mission, is a champion for the vision, and willing to work hard to maintain that integrity. We’re lucky that Mr. Henderson possesses all of those qualities and will continue to serve as a leader for Trustus Theatre.”

Henderson is a native South Carolinian and joined Trustus Theatre Company in 2007 as the marketing director. Henderson also worked as a professional director, and became the organization’s third artistic director in 2015. Henderson was recognized by the SC Theatre Association with the 2019 Founders Award for his contributions to the South Carolina theatre community. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.

“Trustus has been my artistic home for over 15 years,” said Henderson in a statement. “Being given the chance to lead the organization in this capacity is humbling, and it is also energizing. I can’t quantify what this theatre has given me since its co-founders Jim and Kay Thigpen hired me right out of college, but I constantly endeavor to give back in whatever way I can. While our strategies may transform on occasion, the organization continues to be a vital cultural institution in South Carolina. My hope is that my service to the organization can position it for continued success in the next 35 years by celebrating artistry, community, and the power of storytelling.”