Since June 1, JC Schuster has been serving as WaterTower Theatre’s Interim Producing Artistic Director, following Shane Peterman’s move to Augusta, Georgia. Beginning Oct. 1, Schuster will be the Addison Theater Company’s permanent Producing Artistic Director. “Since stepping into the rol e of Interim Producing Artistic Director, JC has led with clarity, decisiveness, and heart. He moved quickly to assess the organization’s needs, make prudent decisions, and outline a solid plan for the future. His track record and steady, proactive leadership have given the Board full confidence in the path ahead,” wrote WaterTower Theatre’s Board of Directors in an announcement of the appointment. The Dallas native joined WaterTower Theatre as its Associate Producing Director in February 2025. Schuster is a former performer and choreographer with more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, having worked in film, television and theater in Los Angeles and New York. His film and television credits include Fosse/Verdon on FX, Annie, HBO’s Vinyl, Glee, Gossip Girl, and Nurse Jackie. His Broadway credits include the original Broadway company of The SpongeBob SquarePants Musical, the 2015 revival of Fiddler on the Roof, Soul Doctor, and American Repertory Theater’s Finding Neverland. Working at WaterTower Theatre was a homecoming for him and this new job is an opportunity for him to contribute to the community that first nurtured him. “WaterTower has a 30-year history and deep roots in Addison. As a Texan who grew up just down the road in Plano, it feels especially meaningful to return home and invest in the community that helped shape me as an artist. After working in New York and Los Angeles, I’m excited about being a bridge between what’s happening in those larger entertainment cities and the incredible work already happening here,” Schuster said. “Dallas feels like it’s at the beginning of something new creatively. My wife, Allison, is also in the arts here, and we both feel called to be boots on the ground, helping build on what DFW already does so well, while bringing a fresh perspective to what comes next.” Schuster with Dallas native and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Doug Wright in spring 2026 during WaterTower Theatre’s production of Wright’s Good Night, Oscar. Overall, the nonprofit theater industry has been under strain following the pandemic. While WaterTower Theatre is representative of those struggles, Schuster is determined to navigate the complicated environment. “I think the challenge facing WaterTower is really the same challenge facing nonprofit theatres across the region and the country. The tide is changing. We are seeing theatres struggle, companies merge, subscribers increasingly become single ticket buyers, and donors and sponsors being more selective about where and how they give. The broader economic climate is affecting the arts just as it is businesses of every size,” Schuster said. “Our job is to adapt without losing sight of why we are here and what we do best, making beautiful work and creating joy. Especially when the world can feel heavy, people need places to come together, laugh, and simply be entertained.” Beyond the current industry-wide complexities, Schuster has ambitious plans for the theater company. “I want to broaden our audience, build on the incredible 30 year foundation that already exists, and continue making Addison a destination for professional theatre in North Texas. I want to grow not only the number of people coming through our doors, but the number of nights the Addison Performing Arts Centre is alive with theatre,” Schuster said. “I know who WaterTower is and what our audience loves, but my bigger dream is to give back what the theatre community gave me. I want to inspire the next generation, build meaningful education programs, create more opportunities for local artists and designers, and give audiences more reasons to come together.” In a few years, he hopes WaterTower Theatre is significantly contributing to the overall well-being of the North Texas arts community. “In five years, I want WaterTower to feel bigger in its impact and deeper in its community. When one theatre succeeds, it strengthens the entire arts community. We all rise together, and that work starts now,” Schuster said. Learn more: WaterTower Theatre DFW Culture Dallas Aug 22 Exhibition about Nelson Mandela inspires the next generation Art and Culture Aug 15 From battle to beauty, DMA exhibit explores the art of Japanese metalwork ...read more read less