IRT welcomes new Associate Artistic Director, Associate Managing Director

IRT welcomes new Associate Artistic Director, Associate Managing Director
 cara hinh and Drew Kowalkowski bring nationwide arts experience to Midwest

Indianapolis, Ind.— Ahead of the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s 52^nd Season, the Theatre has hired cara hinh (they/she) as the new Associate Artistic Director and Drew Kowalkowski (he/him) as the Associate Managing Director. Both associate directors will bring their years of experience in theatres and nonprofits across the country to help support the IRT’s co-CEOs Benjamin Hanna and Suzanne Sweeney to artistically lead and effectively manage the organization.

“It is with great joy that we welcome cara hinh to the IRT,” Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna said. “A native Hoosier who has collected experiences at prestigious institutions across our field, cara will strengthen our new play programming and ensure we create inclusive and vibrant theatre for the whole community.”

hinh has worked with multiple theatres, including Arena Stage, Berkeley Rep, Breaking the Binary, Cincinnati Playhouse, Ma-Yi, and more. They have been a Drama League Fellow, member of the ‘20-22 Roundabout Directors Group, a Directing Apprentice at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Stage Director and Choreographer Observer on Hadestown, and a Fellow at Baltimore Center Stage. As Associate Artistic Director, hinh will assist with producing, directing, and casting throughout the season, as well as serving as a liaison to audiences, artists, and donors, and an artistic representative on multiple committees, both internally and externally.

“This Hoosier is honored to come back home to Indy and join the IRT,” hinh said. “I am thrilled that I now get to work at the Theatre where I saw my first professional production. IRT has held a special place in my heart, and I have always dreamt of working here. I’m excited to make that a reality and create excellent, compelling, and empathetic pieces of art for all of Indiana and beyond!”

As Associate Managing Director, Drew Kowalkowski oversees budgets, contracts, licensing and union agreements, serves at the primary liaison with unions, assists with board relations, building management, and office operations. His work in the arts and nonprofits spans coast to coast, and he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of TT Partners, a general management company managing Broadway and touring productions, including The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, and the recent revival of Company starring Patti LuPone.

“Once I decided I wanted to transition back to my roots in nonprofit theatre, it was important to me to find an organization that was deeply connected to its audience and community, and a workplace where staff and artists were supported and empowered to do great work,” Kowalkowski said. “From my first visit to Indianapolis, it was so clear that the IRT checked both of those boxes. I’m so excited to get into my first season here!”

“We are excited to have Drew here with us,” Managing Director Suzanne Sweeney said. “With his background in both nonprofit work and production management, he will be a strong addition to our team, and both Drew and cara will be instrumental in supporting and shaping the organization as we look ahead to another fulfilling chapter.”

Kowalkowski and hinh will serve as members of the IRT’s Senior Staff and contribute to the Theatre’s vision. IRT’s goal is to help make Indiana a dynamic home of cultural expression, economic vitality, and a diverse and engaged citizenry.

For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Associate Director of Marketing, at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.

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ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.