Indiana Repertory Theatre selects next artistic director from its own ranks
Indiana Repertory Theatre and the board of directors have selected the theater's next artistic director, and it's someone already well-known to Indianapolis audiences. Benjamin Hanna, the current associate artistic director, will begin his new post July 1.
Hanna will work with current Artistic Director Janet Allen, who in June announced her retirement after about 40 years at the theater, on the transition. Hanna will co-lead the organization with Managing Director Suzanne Sweeney.
“In our next chapter, I envision a theatre that is nationally celebrated, revered for producing challenging new works of the highest caliber, and is known as a leader in modeling equity and inclusion," Hanna stated in a news release from Indiana Repertory Theatre. "I aspire to break down historic barriers to the Theatre and welcome new audiences by building community-responsive programming."
During Hanna's five years as associate artistic director, he showed a commitment to equity and a leadership style that focuses on creating art for and with everyone, the release said. He has helped execute the theater's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access initiatives that include employing more people of color at the IRT, sharing diverse perspectives in post-show discussions, and acknowledging those who have been historically excluded and those on whose ancestral lands the theater stands.
The institution conducted a nationwide search with the firm Management Consultants for the Arts, according to the release.
“It was important for IRT to consider the whole field when contemplating its next leader,” Board Chair Mark Shaffer said in the release. “After engaging with a nationally diverse and impressive pool of candidates, Hanna emerged as the best fit due to his talent, passion, and inclusive leadership style."
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Hanna has directed "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Book Club Play" and will direct the production of "Clue," which will run from April 19 to May 20. Hanna also played a major role in developing virtual programming during the pandemic, how the organization selects plays and the casting process.
The incoming artistic director's future plans include highlighting new playwrights' work and offering more opportunities for students and multigenerational audiences, the release said. Hanna also will work with Devon Ginn, the director of inclusion and community partnerships, to forge new relationships.
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Hanna, who's originally from Minnesota, previously worked at the Children's Theatre Co. in Minneapolis, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Penumbra Theatre Co. Among his honors are the Indiana Repertory Theatre's Richard O Morris Award for Exemplary Staff Service and the Trailblazer Award from Carmel's University High School. Hanna is a member of the 46th class of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series for Leadership Indianapolis.
Indiana Repertory Theatre is in the midst of its 50th anniversary season. Next on its program is "Oedipus," which runs from Wednesday to March 18.
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Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Repertory Theatre announces next artistic director
