The Coterie Theater in Kansas City announces new leadership

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Coterie Theatre introduced new adjustments to its management on Monday.

Jonathan Thomas has been appointed because the theatre for younger audiences’ managing director, and Heidi Van will proceed as interim producing creative director.

Thomas has been serving because the managing director for the theater since November 2022.

He stepped in after former government director Joette Pelster died final yr, in accordance with the theater.

Thomas graduated from the College of Kansas and has carried out with the Lyric Opera of Kansas Metropolis, Kansas Metropolis Chorale and Kansas Metropolis Symphony, amongst others.

“Absolutely committing to our mission of opening the traces of communication between races, genders and generations by redefining theatre for younger folks to incorporate households and various audiences means absolutely committing to a extra clear and collegial inner setting,” Thomas stated. “I’m honored by the belief the Board has positioned in me and am dedicated to working towards enhancing the tradition of the group so that every particular person feels that their voice is heard.”

Van joined the Coterie in February after former creative director Jeff Church resigned. He was later discovered useless in his dwelling on the identical day as his resignation.

She’ll stay the interim creative director till the theater completes its search course of.

Van is a longtime Kansas Metropolis actor, creator and producer of dwell theater, in accordance with The Croterie.

“I imagine The Coterie ought to be the primary theatre for younger audiences within the nation,” Van stated. “The actors, designers and manufacturing workers who actually embody the work and mission of The Coterie are vital stakeholders within the group and I’m dedicated to demonstrating a mutual respect and understanding for all who come by means of our doorways. I pledge to steer in alignment with The Coterie’s values: utilizing our voices, main with love, and confronting injustice by means of storytelling and creativeness.”

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