Theater Works Appoints New Leadership

Cate Hinkle, Managing Director, and Chris Hamby, Producing Artistic Director
photo courtesy Theater Works

from our friends at Theater Works:

Theater Works announces that current interim leadership team will begin fiscal year 2017 as the new permanent leadership for the organization. Effective July 1, Chris Hamby will serve as the Producing Artistic Director and Cate Hinkle will serve as the Managing Director. Hamby and Hinkle were appointed interim leadership after the passing of Executive Daniel Schay in April.

Tim Holt, Chair of the Board of Directors says, “Theater Works is in excellent hands with Chris as the Artistic Director and Cate as the Managing Director. We have a very dedicated staff and Board of Directors. Coupled with new leadership, we have an exciting future. We are dedicated to maintaining our professional standards and to providing the Valley with exceptional theater.” Along with the Board of Directors and the staff, Chris and Cate (both 37) are committed to maintaining the artistic quality while exploring new opportunities to the benefit of Theater Works and the performing arts community as a whole.

Chris Hamby joined the organization in 2009 as a youth programs manager and later became Director of Education and Outreach. Since then, he began the PuppetWorks programming and acted as the program’s Artistic Director. Chris completed the American Express Leadership Academy's Nonprofit Leadership Management program in 2015. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence.

Before coming to Theater Works just last year, Cate Hinkle held the roles of Director of Development and Marketing and Marketing Director at the Phoenix Boys Choir where she worked for seven years. Prior to the Phoenix Boys Choir, Cate wore many hats for the Herberger Theater Center in the areas of marketing and development for 12 years. She is currently a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Theater Works will open its 2016-17 season with the YouthWorks production of LES MISERABLES on stage September 9 – 25 and the MasterWorks production of NOISES OFF running October 7 – 23 at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts.