KANSAS CITY, MO.: Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep) artistic director Stuart Carden has announced three new hires: Nelson T. Eusebio III as associate artistic director, Hallie Gordon as director of artistic development, and Yetunde Felix-Ukwu as artistic associate. Eusebio and Gordon begin their roles on Oct. 1, 2021, while Felix-Ukwu will continue in a position he temporarily held during the previous season.
As associate artistic director, Eusebio will work alongside the artistic director to create and plan all artistic programming and initiatives at KCRep. Gordon will lead new-play development and programs at KCRep, including the OriginKC: New Works Program. Artistic associate Felix-Ukwu will lead casting and engagement, and support the associate artistic director with production duties.
“This has been a long time coming, and I could not be more thrilled to announce the addition of Nelson, Hallie, and Yetunde to our artistic team and KCRep,” said Carden in a statement. “Their combined talents, experience, and perspectives will profoundly shape the future of KCRep and how we serve and connect to our Kansas City community. I am grateful to each of them for joining us at KCRep and am excited to collaborate with these inspiring artistic leaders as we create transformative theatre experiences for all in Kansas City.”
Eusebio’s previous work includes directing and producing theatre, opera, and site-specific festivals across the country, including at the Public Theater, Baltimore Center Stage, PlayMaker’s Repertory, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and St. Louis Rep. Besides directing, he has experience in season planning, casting, producing, and fundraising. During his time as an artistic director, he has helped commission, produce, and supervise the creation of over twenty world premiere plays. He was recently a participant in the inaugural year of Theatre Communications Group’s SPARK Leadership Program, where 10 leaders of color from across the country attended an extensive executive leadership training program.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Kansas City Repertory Theatre as its new associate artistic director,” said Eusebio in a statement. “I am so excited to join this wonderful group of artists and to help build on the tradition of artistic excellence that KCRep is known for. I look forward to bringing my own work to the Kansas City community as well as supporting the growth of the theatre under Stuart’s visionary leadership.”
Hallie Gordon served as artistic and education director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago for more than a decade, developing scripts, producing, and directing new works with a focus on young adult stories. She also designed, implemented, and evaluated artistic programming, curriculum development, and skill-building opportunities for youth and young professionals through workshops and training.
“I feel incredibly lucky to start my next chapter at Kansas City Repertory Theatre under the guidance of Stuart Carden and the amazing team of talented staff and new artistic collaborators that are Nelson T. Eusebio III and Yetunde Felix-Ukwu,” said Gordon in a statement. “I strongly believe in Stuart’s vision that a strong connection and commitment to community and the artists that live and work here are crucial in creating a healthy artistic ecosystem in Kansas City—one that can sustain itself, thrive, and ultimately bring about change, compassion, and empathy in Missouri. I look forward to building new relationships with KC artists and organizations as I work toward creating an environment that is equal parts quality of life and fertile ground so that artists can play, take risks, and stay connected with the vibrancy that is Kansas City.”
Yetunde Felix-Ukwu is originally from Washington, D.C., and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Theatre, where she received an MFA in Acting and Directing. Yetunde has performed in several productions in Kansas City, most notably playing four characters in Secret Soldiers at the Coterie. Other roles include John Colton Sumner in the Unicorn’s Men on Boats and Renfield in Kansas City Actors Theatre production of Dracula.
“I am so excited to be joining the Kansas City Repertory Theatre in this capacity. Kansas City is the most nurturing artistic community and in many ways this community gave birth to my artistic endeavors,” said Felix-Ukwu in a statement. “I’m excited to build bridges and foster an even deeper sense of community with those who may not have felt our theatre was a space for them. I’m excited about the direction this theatre is going and honored to be a part of the team to help us get there.“
