HOUSTON: Stages has announced the appointment of Katie Maltais as managing director, effective Aug 1. She succeeds Mark Folkes, who stepped down in April.
“Katie’s love for theatre is infectious and her openness to our company and vision, along with her expertise, was inspiring to the board and staff,” said Jane Schmitt, Stages’ board president and search committee chair, in a statement. “We know she will make an excellent co-leader of Stages, working alongside our esteemed artistic director, Kenn McLaughlin.”
Most recently, Maltais served as managing director at Curious Theatre Company in Denver. At Curious, Katie created “The Loyalty Target,” a new model for arts administration now adopted by arts organizations across the U.S. and the U.K. Maltais also spearheaded Denver’s first Diversity in Theatre panels. Before joining Curious Theatre Company, Maltais was marketing director for the Lone Tree Arts Center. Previously, she worked for the international consulting firm TRG Arts as manager of accounts and services, overseeing the client services team. She received her B.A. in arts administration and theatre from Drury University, located in Springfield, Mo.
“I am excited to lead alongside a woman of great accomplishment whose fresh perspective will join the many voices shaping Stages,” said Stages artistic director Kenn McLaughlin in a statement. “Katie is a team leader, service leader and mentor, and these qualities will allow her to move Stages forward in many innovative ways. Our beliefs about collaboration and the power of art are fully aligned, but our experiences are vastly different, so I am looking forward to learning and growing with Katie’s voice at the table.”
“I am beyond thrilled to join the incredible team at Stages,” said Maltais in a statement. “The organization is so closely aligned with my values and focus on community building and anti-racism/anti-oppression work that it could not be a better fit.”
Maltais joins the Stages team as the theatre transitions back to in-person performances. She will provide administrative leadership to Stages’ first full season of in-person performance at the Gordy, Stages’s new three-theatre home.
“I am especially delighted to partner with Kenn, who is so committed to the Houston community and to ensuring that each patron has agency over their theatrical experience,” said Maltais in a statement. “I am so excited to come on board at such a pivotal moment for Stages and the arts as we welcome audiences back to our theatres. I can’t wait to get to know Houston and help grow the Stages family.”
