DC Theater Arts is proud to announce the appointment of Julian Oquendo as its new Executive Director, Megan Wills as Managing Director, and Eric Colchamiro as Manager of Development and External Affairs. These strategic leadership appointments follow Nicole Hertvik’s announcement of her departure as Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of the website at the end of this year, and they reflect DC Theater Arts’ commitment to advancing its mission of promoting and celebrating the dynamic theater community in the nation’s capital. Nicole Hertvik, departing Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, and Julian Oquendo, new Executive Director of DC Theater Arts. Julian Oquendo, serving as Executive Director in a volunteer capacity, brings a wealth of experience in business management and tech automation within the data science and analytics industry, as well as restaurant management in the DC area. He was previously the data analyst for DC Theater Arts (DCTA) and, before that, a contributing writer and tech coordinator for DC Theatre Scene. Megan Wills, in her new role as Managing Director, brings a rich background in writing, editing, theater, improv comedy, and nonprofit leadership. She has assisted Hertvik and the current leadership team with its expansion and transition into a nonprofit organization. Eric Colchamiro brings a wealth of experience in outreach and development; he is a government affairs professional in the DC region, and has previously served as a Board of Trustees member for MD’s Round House Theatre and as an audience engagement lead for DC’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre. Nicole Hertvik will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors, along with Don Mike Mendoza, and Chad Campfield. John Stoltenberg (who continues as Executive Editor) and Colchamiro have recently been elected as DCTA’s newest Board members. Under this new leadership, DC Theater Arts plans to expand its website’s programming, technology, and social media products, strengthen partnerships with local arts groups, and build the next generation of writers and artists. The organization remains dedicated to highlighting the voices of professional and community artists and writers, engaging its audiences, and fostering excellence in journalism within the DMV at a time when hyper-local journalism and its organizations across the country face increasing challenges to remain in operation. Megan Wills is an actor and improv comedy performer who has served in many roles in local theater and improvisation. She is a graduate of UMBC’s Interdisciplinary Studies Honors Program (Writing, Theater, and Women’s Studies), and made her mark in the Baltimore community by founding Charm City Comedy. There, she championed women in comedy through her Ladies All-Stars improv team and her women’s variety shows, Prim and Proper and Born This Way. Her efforts led to the DMV’s first Women in Comedy panel as part of the Charm City Comedy Festival, which garnered attention from NPR and led to Did You Hear the One About the Female Comedians? Megan also taught children’s improv for Enoch Pratt Library, Pumpkin Theatre, and the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts. She looks forward to bringing her creative and managerial expertise to DC Theater Arts while continuing her role as Communications Manager for Merriweather Arts and Culture Center. Eric Colchamiro is a longtime theatergoer in the DMV, and he counts eight Playbill books full of theatrical experiences among his prized possessions. His favorite local productions include Caryl Churchill’s A Number at Studio Theatre, Sarah Ruhl’s A Clean House at Woolly Mammoth, and Psalmayene 24’s Monumental Travesties at Mosaic. A native of the Boston area, Colchamiro is happily married and enjoys taking his young daughter out for a show whenever he can. His extensive experience in fundraising, partnership building, and community engagement will enhance DC Theater Arts’ efforts to expand its reach and secure vital resources to sustain its programs and initiatives. An accomplished writer, John Stoltenberg holds master’s degrees in Theater Arts from Columbia University and in Public Relations and Communications from Georgetown University. He is retired from a career of more than four decades in publishing, including as managing editor of six national magazines. John has written for DC Theater Arts since 2013, served as Interim Editor-in-Chief of the site during COVID, and in 2021 became Executive Editor. He is a member of the American Theatre Critics/Journalists Association. About DC Theater Arts DC Theater Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the dynamic theater community of Washington, DC, and the surrounding region. Through in-depth coverage, theater reviews, and training, DC Theater Arts serves as a vital resource for artists, audiences, and arts advocates alike. If you are interested in joining our Board of Directors and would like to find out more, please complete this application. Social Links Facebook Threads Instagram Subscribe to our Newsletter