A new year means new leadership at the Dallas Theater Center. The Tony Award-winning theater announced Jaime Castañeda will become its sixth artistic director in the theater’s more than sixty-year history. Castañeda’s professional theater career began in North Texas more than 20 years ag o when he started Firestarter Production while attending Texas Christian University. In 2012, Castañeda directed Dallas Theater Center’s production of Kristoffer Diaz’s The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. He also directed productions at several North Texas theaters, including Kitchen Dog Theatre, Amphibian Stage and Circle Theatre. Beyond Texas, Castañeda has directed productions at several leading theaters, including American Conservatory Theater, South Coast Repertory, Huntington Theatre Company, and La Jolla Playhouse. He served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Associate Artistic Director from 2014-18 and worked Off-Broadway as Artistic Associate at Atlantic Theater Company from 2009-14. Previous Dallas Theater Center artistic directors include founding artistic director Paul Baker, Adrian Hall, Ken Bryant, Richard Hamburger and Kevin Moriarty, who served as Enloe/Rose Artistic Director from 2007 to 2022. Moriarty is currently the theater’s Executive Director. “Growing up in Texas, Dallas Theater Center was one of the first places where I saw what professional theater and excellence looked like,” Jaime Castañeda said. “I’m thrilled to come back and build on the history of artists and leaders who have been a part of this organization. I’m eager to join Kevin, the board and our staff to create lasting theatrical experiences for our audiences.” “Jaime brings a bold, visceral artistic vision, a deep commitment to new voices and a collaborative leadership style that inspires artists and audiences alike,” Moriarty said. “With his Texas roots and national experience, I am thrilled to welcome him home as DTC’s new Enloe/Rose Artistic Director. I have known and admired his work since 2007, when he was already one of the most exciting emerging directors in North Texas, and I later saw him create unforgettable work for DTC on the Wyly stage and at leading theaters nationwide.” Jonathan Norton, Dallas Theater Center’s Resident Playwright, is currently serving as Interim Artistic Director and will continue to lead the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Following a transition period, Castañeda will assume his full-time role in July 2026. As Enloe/Rose Artistic Director, he will lead the theater’s artistic vision, direct and produce plays and musicals, oversee the theater’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company and partner with Moriarty, the staff and the Board of Trustees to advance the theater’s mission, vision and values. Dallas Theater Center’s 2026-27 season will be his inaugural season. “We are extremely pleased with a successful national search that brings Jaime to Dallas Theater Center,” said Chris Luna, chair of the search committee and DTC board member. “His energy is contagious and he understands Texas and Dallas. We look forward to collaborating with Jaime as he continues his innovative approach to regional theater.” Robin Plata will begin her new role in early January 2026. The theater also announced Robin Plata will return to the theater as Chief Relationship Officer starting January 5, 2026. Plata most recently served as the Director of Development at ATT Performing Arts Center. From 2010-2022, Plata worked in multiple capacities at Dallas Theater Center in the Development department, including serving as Director of Development from 2020-2022.  “Robin’s return comes at a pivotal moment for DTC,” said Moriarty. “Her leadership will be instrumental in galvanizing donor engagement, deepening patron relationships and aligning fundraising efforts across the organization. I’m profoundly grateful to our exceptional Search Committee whose time, insight and unrelenting commitment led us to this outcome.” Interim Director of Development Linda Lipscomb, who joined the theater in May, will remain in a consultant capacity for the remainder of the season to support the transition.  “I have been inspired by DTC’s vision and innovation since seeing Kevin’s first production of Tommy in 2008,” Plata said. “Since then, DTC’s productions have helped me connect with total strangers, process difficult emotions, and escape to fantastical worlds. I am thrilled to return home and deepen DTC’s connection to our community.” Learn more: Dallas Theater Center ...read more read less