HOUSTON: The Catastrophic Theatre has announced Laura Moreno as the company’s new managing director, effective April 1. Moreno replaces outgoing managing director Shayna Schlosberg, who served as managing director for four years.
“Laura is a rare species in that she has worked in nearly every position in the theatre,” said founding artistic director Jason Nodler in a statement, “so she has a broad understanding of the needs of artists and artisans. She is possessed of the ideal skills, education, perspective, and experience to lead the theatre going forward.”
Moreno joins the theatre having completed her M.A. in arts leadership and MFA in directing through the University of Houston. She also has a BFA in acting through University of Houston. In the local theatre community, Moreno is known for her work as a producer, director, arts administrator, actress, makeup artist, costume and wig designer, and teaching artist. She is also on the advisory board for El Zocalo at the Alley Theatre and she founded the Houston chapter of the Parent Artists Advocacy League (PAAL).
“Laura brings a fresh outlook and an enthusiasm that is contagious to virtually everyone she meets,” said producing artistic director Tamarie Cooper in a statement. “She is an overachiever, to say the least, and we look forward to many years of smart, strategic, and inclusive growth under her leadership.”
Moreno’s experience also includes several years in New York City working as a business manager for Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, as well as a brand ambassador for cosmetic brands Jo Malone and La Mer, before returning to Houston to complete her BFA. Catastrophic also emphasized Moreno’s advocacy and activism, noting that she is devoted to liberating artists from inequitable standards that have plagued the theatre industry.
“I am honored and elated to be joining the Catastrophic team and to work along side Jason Nodler, Tamarie Cooper, Marianthe Perce, and the board of directors,” said Moreno in a statement. “I have long admired the organization, its leaders, and especially the groundbreaking, honest, and consistently bold work they produce. I am excited to help advance the theatre toward its goal of strengthening and expanding community outreach, growing its patron and donor bases, and creating a welcoming, safe, and brave space for BIPOC artists and audiences.”
Outgoing managing director Shayna Schlosberg is departing the company to join the national advocacy group Woman of Color in the Arts (WOCA). During her tenure, Schlosberg was instrumental in Catastrophic’s efforts in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“We deeply appreciate Shayna’s service to Catastrophic,” said board president Susanna Kise in a statement. “While we’re sad to see her go, her work with WOCA will be of great benefit to us and the broader theatre industry. And we are delighted to report that she will remain a part of the Catastrophic family.”
