Theatreworks will celebrate its 50th anniversary in the 2025-26 season under a reimagined dual leadership structure.
Assistant Professor Max Shulman has been appointed to the position of artistic director for the Ent Center-based theater company. Shulman was unanimously voted in by the Theatreworks Advisory Board as the company’s third artistic director since its founding in 1975. The company also announced the creation of a general director position, which will take on a more administrative role.
“I’m unbelievably excited, happy and humbled. It’s an amazing role to take on and it’s not one I assumed was coming, so I’m really honored. Theatreworks is in its 50th year and there’s a lot of people who have made that a reality so, I’m really working to try to preserve their legacy,” Shulman said.
Shulman will formally step into the position in July. Theatreworks will officially launch their search for a general director in the upcoming weeks, with the support of the Theatreworks community in the hiring process, according to a UCCS Communique.
In the previous leadership model, one person was responsible for administrative and artistic leadership, but after collaborating with leadership for the Ent Center, Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet and faculty partners, Theatreworks decided appointing two senior leaders to fill those roles would be more sustainable, according to the Communique.
“Theatreworks has always been dedicated to producing both classical and new works to engage with the community however possible, and being more than just a theater, but a center for community engagement,” Shulman said. “My vision is to continue that tradition of creating high quality work that both entertains and enlightens.”
Along with upholding Theatreworks’ mission, Shulman plans to honor its legacy and encourage UCCS students to get involved in any way they can.
Shulman encourages students in and outside of the program to participate in community engagement with the arts by attending plays and exploring other opportunities for participation, including open auditions and employment at the Ent Center.
“In my ideal world, as we move forward, I want to make the play-going and student nights and engagement an inherent part of what it means to be a UCCS student,” Shulman said.
As a Theater and Dance program faculty member and previous director of the Heller Center for Arts and Humanities, Shulman has been involved with Theaterworks in multiple capacities, including directing “Henry IV & V” and “Marie Antoinette” during the 2024-25 season.
Shulman’s area of expertise is 19th and early 20th century U.S. theater with a focus on the formation of national identity. Shulman’s knowledge will allow him to explore themes of American identity and connect with the all-encompassing audience included in Theaterworks’ mission.
“Theatreworks can be accessible and of interest to [everyone], because I think everybody deserves great theater,” Shulman said.
All students have access to tickets to Theatreworks shows through their tuition. Students can find more information about Theatreworks and upcoming events by calling 719-255-3232 or visiting the Ent Center website.
The Ent Center. Photo by Logan Cole.