Indiana Repertory Theatre welcomes new associate directors

The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) newest associate directors aim to bring nationwide arts experience to Indianapolis.

Cara Hinh and Drew Kowalkowski will join IRT as the new associate artist director and associate managing director respectively. The announcement comes just ahead of IRT’s 52nd season. Hinh and Kowalkowski both share years of experience in both theater and the nonprofit sector and will support the IRT’s co-CEOs Benjamin Hanna and Suzanne Sweeney in leading the organization.

“It is with great joy that we welcome cara hinh to the IRT,” Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna said in a statement. “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.”

In addition to having worked in theaters across the country, Hinh’s previous experience includes being 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. 

In their new role with IRT, Hinh will assist in producing, directing and casting shows throughout the season. They will also serve as a liaison for audiences, artists and donors, and as artistic representatives on internal and external committees.

“This Hoosier is honored to come back home to Indy and join the IRT,” Hinh said in a statement. “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!”

However, Kowalkowski’s new role as associate managing director will include overseeing budgets, contracts, licensing and union agreements — in addition to serving as the unions’ primary liaison — assisting with board relations, building management, and office operations. 

Kowalkowski’s previous work in the arts and nonprofit sector includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of TT Partners, a general management company managing Broadway and touring productions, such as “The Book of Mormon” and “Mean Girls.”

“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 in a statement. “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!”

For more information, contact Kerry Barmann, Associate Director of Marketing, at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317-916-4824.