COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.: Theatreworks at University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS) has announced that Caitlin Lowans will take over as its new artistic director. Lowans will begin work on Aug. 1.

“I am excited we have found in Caitlin Lowans an energetic leader with a strong artistic vision to build upon the legacy that my dear friend and colleague, the late Murray Ross, started here in Colorado Springs,” said UCCS Presents executive director Drew Martorella in a statement. “During her recent visit to UCCS, Caitlin left our staff and other key community members invigorated, and I look forward to her joining our team.”

Lowans is a New England native who previously served as associate artistic director of Stoneham Theatre (now the Greater Boston Stage Company). She has directed 52 productions in Boston and Chicago, including five world premieres: Sunfish: The Musical at the Stoneham, Ryan Landry’s M and Pysched! for the Huntington Theatre Company, and The Clytemnestriad and Outlaw Jean for Fresh Ink Theatre Company. Lowans is drawn to new work and classic plays that explore contemporary social issues and experiences of shared humanity across time. She has worked with Anna Shapiro and Jessica Thebus of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Mary Zimmerman of Goodman Theatre, Shana Cooper of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Michael Rohd of Sojourn Theatre. Lowans received her MFA from Northwestern University.

“Founding artistic director Murray Ross built a dynamic 40-year legacy of challenging and engaging theatre,” Lowans said in a statement. “I am excited to continue that inspiring tradition of classics that connect us to our past, combined with new works that celebrate a diverse present, so we can imagine an inclusive future. With the new Ent Center for the Arts and the committed arts leaders gathered within, Theatreworks is ready to open its doors even wider to both the artistic and the civic life of the Colorado Springs community. I couldn’t be more excited to helm our work.”