Hiring News

New leadership leads the New Year for 2 Dallas theater companies

Two Dallas theaters — Second Thought Theatre and Teatro Dallas — are starting the New Year with new leadership. The former has hired an executive director, while the latter has brought on a new executive artistic director.

Executive director is a new role for Second Thought, which has been helmed solely by artistic director Carson McCain since 2020. Now, Dallas-based actor and playwright Parker Gray takes the managerial lead as part of a multi-pronged rethink of STT’s administrative infrastructure.

Following Drew Wall’s demission of his role as director of operations — which he held for over 15 pivotal years — the STT board of directors and staff saw an opportunity to reshape its company structure and to build greater synergy between artistic vision and logistical efficiency, explains a release.

“Parker has been a dear friend and collaborator of mine for almost a decade,” says McCain. “There is no one whose taste and vision I trust more when it comes to the DFW theater landscape. Second Thought Theatre is incredibly lucky to have such a talented and knowledgeable leader joining our team.”

Gray is a graduate of the acting program at Southern Methodist University and his list of credits includes notable projects for film, television, and practically every theater company in the DFW, including an upcoming production of The Play That Goes Wrong co-produced by Stage West and WaterTower Theatre. That's also him starring in one of 2022's top productions, Stede Bonnet: A F*cking Pirate Musical at Theatre Three.

“I’m so incredibly excited and honored that I get to help usher this theater into the next era of its existence,” says Gray. “Drew Wall and Alex Organ [STT's previous artistic director] were, and are, two of my inspirations in this town, and the theater they created when I first drew artistic breath here were my favorites. So to now follow in their footsteps and sit beside another inspiration and favored colleague, Carson McCain, and create theater at Second Thought is both humbling and a dream come true.”

Gray was selected for the position in late October 2022 and now joins the STT staff in the newly developed role in earnest

Teatro Dallas has announced Gustavo Ott as its new executive artistic director. Ott will succeed Sara Cardona, who will remain on staff as director of development.

“This 36-year legacy is one I am proud to inherit and build upon as an exclusive asset, an artistic and educational gift that lives and speaks to us because it is also a political legacy: of resistance, beauty, and engagement," says Ott. "Our season is the backbone of our identity. And my artistic vision, of course, starts with my plays."

Ott was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and is a playwright, theater director, and fiction writer. For 20 years, he was executive artistic director of the San Martin Theater and Fiesta: International Theater Festival in Caracas. As a director, he has staged more than 15 plays of his own and by other contemporary authors. As a playwright, he has written over 50 plays and has been translated into 15 languages.

Ott also vows to support new work, "in particular plays by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women writers. Through the Playwriting Workshop, I will develop new plays and authors, placing priority on world premieres, national premieres, state premieres, and English-language premieres. I will seek to make an impact with beauty that is not superficial, to shake spectators with a season that is beautiful, entertaining, and at the same time political. Beauty with sharp claws."

He will also focus on strengthening international ties with groups and institutions in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly with Mexican theater.

"We will translate contemporary Latin American playwrights into English and promote them in the U.S.," Ott says in a release. "Our International Festival — a unique event in the southwest of the country — will also remain a priority. It will continue to grow as a link to Latin America."

Photo courtesy of Teatro Dallas

Teatro Dallas' new executive artistic director, Gustavo Ott

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Dance News

Dallas Black Dance Theatre makes interim artistic director permanent

Photo by Aleah Pilot

Richard A. Freeman Jr. became the new artistic director October 24, 2025.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has officially named Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as its new artistic director, ushering in a new era of leadership for the dance company as it approaches its 50th anniversary season.

Freeman, a longtime member of the DBDT family, has served as interim artistic director through the company’s recently completed 48th and current 49th seasons. His appointment, effective October 24, 2025, marks a natural progression for the former lead dancer, resident choreographer, and artistic project coordinator, whose career within DBDT spans more than a decade of creative and organizational leadership.

“Richard has been an integral part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as interim artistic director made this decision clear,” says Heidi K. Murray, a member of DBDT’s board of directors, in a release. “His dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter.”

DBDT founder Ann M. Williams echoed the sentiment, calling Freeman’s appointment a full-circle moment for both artist and company. “Richard embodies everything Dallas Black Dance Theatre stands for: artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,” she says in the release. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT’s future.”

During his tenure as interim artistic director, Freeman guided DBDT through seasons marked by artistic innovation and expanded community engagement, but also staff shake-ups and legal issues.

In October 2024, accusations of retaliation surfaced after 10 DBDT dancers, its entire main company, were fired following their decision to unionize in May and demand better working conditions. This led to an unprecedented "Do Not Work" order by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Dallas City Council ultimately voted to withhold $248,000 in city funding due to labor violations, and DBDT later settled for $560,000 with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response, DBDT formed a 17-member advisory stakeholder task force co-chaired by Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Shawn Williams, vice president of public affairs at Allyn. The group has been working with DBDT leadership to review the organization’s policies and practices, propose changes that foster an accountable environment, and put in place safeguards to prevent future concerns related to talent.

In September 2025, executive director Zenetta Drew announced her retirement after nearly four decades with the company. A national search for her replacement will start in early 2026. Williams retired in 2014.

As artistic director, Freeman will oversee all aspects of DBDT’s artistic operations, from performances to educational initiatives, and continue to expand its reach throughout Dallas and beyond.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,” Freeman says. “This company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Freeman began his training with the District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet before graduating from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. His performance credits span acclaimed companies and productions, including Elisa Monte Dance, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy and Bess, and The Wiz.

Freeman’s choreographic works have been featured by leading institutions such as Texas Ballet Theater School, Texas Christian University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has also shared his expertise through master classes and workshops nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to DBDT’s educational mission.

Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest and largest professional dance company in Dallas and one of the most acclaimed Black dance institutions in the U.S.

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