Staff Changes

Addison's WaterTower Theatre abruptly lays off key staff member

Elizabeth Kensek.

Courtesy photo

A major Dallas-area theater company has executed an abrupt change in personnel. WaterTower Theatre in Addison fired its associate producer, Elizabeth Kensek, who had been with the institution for five years, citing "efficiency" as the reason:

"As WaterTower Theatre enters its 30th season, modifications at the Addison Theatre Centre, directed by the Town’s leadership, have led us to consolidate roles and departments for greater efficiency. This unfortunately resulted in some layoffs and structural shifts, including the departure of Associate Producer Elizabeth Kensek. We are truly grateful for their dedicated service to this theatre company."

Possibly adding insult to injury, WTT announced the termination on social media, prompting a sharp reaction from the Dallas-Fort Worth theater community. Commentors on the theatre's Facebook post called Kensek "the backbone of WaterTower Theatre" and noted her supportive presence at shows and showcases all across DFW.

Stage West artistic director Dana Schultes posted: "If I had any openings on my staff, she'd be hired IMMEDIATELY. Whoever does snap her up will be very, very lucky. She's outstanding. There are very few people I've met with her expertise, drive, long list of talents, kindness, empathy, non-profit understanding, union-knowledge, theatre-background, thorough, detail-oriented leadership."

The layoff appears to have been sudden.

Kensek posted a response on August 29 on her personal Facebook page stating that she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support she had received since the announcement was made.

"It has been an honor to serve as the Associate Producer of WaterTower Theatre for the last 5 years. I am so overwhelmed by the outpouring of texts and phone calls from not just artists, but also fellow theatre makers and patrons. I am sad to have to close this chapter. I probably would have happily grown old in that office and let someone scatter my ashes in the courtyard after I was gone if I’m being honest- but the universe has other plans for me. It is time to find my next adventure. If the fates allow, I hope that will include continuing to serve the professional theatre community here in DFW."

She shared a sweet anecdote that she said was perhaps a sign.

"Following the last performance of Mary Poppins, the final show of what would be my final season at WTT, my necklace broke and came off in my hand during strike [the deconstruction and removal of the set]. I guess it was a sign. To paraphrase Mary, “I stayed until the chain broke”… 💜 Thank you all- and please keep supporting live professional theatre here in North Texas. I’ll be in the audience, cheering you on."

Requests for comment from Kensek and WaterTower Theatre and its artistic director, Shane Peterman, went unreturned, but in its announcement the theater stated, "We remain committed to partnering with the Town of Addison to continue providing the exceptional theatrical entertainment our patrons have loved for decades. We appreciate your ongoing support and are optimistic about our plans and the potential our future holds together!"

WaterTower's 29th season begins with The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, running November 6-17, 2024.

theater

A Familiar Face

Dallas Theater Center names Jaime Castañeda as new artistic director

Photo courtesy of Dallas Theater Center

Jaime Castañeda is the Tony-winning theater's new artistic director.

The Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center has found its next artistic director: Jaime Castañeda, who has a long history with both DTC and North Texas, will become the regional theater's sixth artistic director beginning July 2026. The 2026-27 season will be the first chosen by him.

Jonathan Norton, DTC’s resident playwright, is currently serving as interim artistic director and will continue to lead the remainder of the 2025-26 season, which culminates in the world premiere of his play Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem in May.

“DTC is committed to artistic excellence and community engagement, and we believe Jaime’s experience, creativity, bold vision, and proven leadership, coupled with his dedication to innovation, will guide DTC into an exciting new chapter in the life of the theater," says board chair Lynn Pride Richardson in a release.

In 2012, Castañeda directed DTC’s production of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity by Kristoffer Diaz. But he began his career more than 20 years ago in Dallas-Fort Worth by founding Firestarter Productions while still attending Texas Christian University. In addition to directing at DTC, other local theater credits include Kitchen Dog Theater, Amphibian Stage, and Circle Theatre. Castañeda is a recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Directing Fellowship, and holds a BFA from Texas Christian University and an MFA in Directing from University of Texas at Austin.

Most recently, Castañeda directed at such leading theaters across the country as American Conservatory Theater, South Coast Repertory, Huntington Theatre Company, and La Jolla Playhouse, where he previously served as associate artistic director from 2014-2018. He was also artistic associate at Off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company from 2009-2014.

"Jaime brings a bold, visceral artistic vision, a deep commitment to new voices, and a collaborative leadership style that inspires artists and audiences alike,” says DTC executive director Kevin Moriarty. “With his Texas roots and national experience, I am thrilled to welcome him home as DTC’s new Enloe/Rose artistic director. I have known and admired his work since 2007, when he was already one of the most exciting emerging directors in North Texas, and I later saw him create unforgettable work for DTC on the Wyly stage and at leading theaters nationwide.”

As artistic director, Castañeda will lead the theater’s artistic vision, direct and produce plays and musicals, oversee DTC’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, and partner with Moriarty, the staff, and the board of trustees to advance DTC’s mission, vision, and values.

Castañeda joins a distinguished line of artistic leadership at Dallas Theater Center, including founding artistic director Paul Baker, Adrian Hall, Ken Bryant, Richard Hamburger, and Moriarty, who served as artistic director from 2007-2022.

“We are extremely pleased with a successful national search that brings Jaime to Dallas Theater Center,” says DTC board member Chris Luna. “His energy is contagious and he understands Texas and Dallas. We look forward to collaborating with Jaime as he continues his innovative approach to regional theater.”

Castañeda was selected for the role following a national search led by Management Consultants for the Arts. The search committee was co-chaired by Luna and Richardson, and included Moriarty, Norton, Jennifer Altabef, Diane Brierley, Lauren Embrey, Sam Holland (Dean, SMU Meadows School of the Arts), Sharron Hunt, Randy Kender, Julie Kosnik, Deborah McMurray, Sam Megally, Liz Mikel (DTC Brierley Resident Acting Company member), Andy Smith, Lily Weiss (executive director, Dallas Arts District) and Donna Wilhelm.

“Growing up in Texas, Dallas Theater Center was one of the first places where I saw what professional theater and excellence looked like,” Castañeda says. “I’m thrilled to come back and build on the history of artists and leaders who have been a part of this organization. I’m eager to join Kevin, the board, and our staff to create lasting theatrical experiences for our audiences.”

Dallas Theater Center's current production of A Christmas Carol runs through December 27 at the Wyly Theatre.

dallas theater center jaime castañeda kevin moriarty theater