Announcing Our Future Managing Director

24 Oct Announcing Our Future Managing Director

PERFORMING ARTS INNOVATOR APPOINTED MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE

October 24, 2023 (Houston, TX) …The Miller Theatre Advisory Board under the leadership of Chairman Romulo Tim Cisneros announced the appointment of Claudia de Vasco as Managing Director. A native Houstonian, de Vasco is an executive level arts innovator and leader, with a history as a performer, director, and producer. She will assume her role at MTAB on January 1, 2024, succeeding Cissy Segall Davis, Miller’s Managing Director for nearly 15 years. Ms. de Vasco will oversee the day-to-day operations at MTAB which includes overseeing a grants program for Houston performing arts and community organizations. She, in collaboration with the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, will program a season of more than 100 artistically and culturally diverse performances in Hermann Park, all presented free of charge to the public. Segall Davis will continue to support MTAB as a part-time fundraiser for the $12.5 million Capital Campaign to raise the necessary funds to make renovations and improvements to the outdoor theatre.

A graduate of the Kinder School for the Performing and Visual Arts (2001), de Vasco received her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program, from the University of Minnesota, Summa Cum Laude, (2005). In Los Angeles she built a career on-stage and off, as well as in civic leadership. Highlights of her professional experience include serving as: Managing Director of Emerging Arts Leaders/Los Angeles (EAL/LA); Artistic Producing Director, Chalk Repertory Theater; Head of Cultural Integrity, BrickHouse Talent Agency; and both television and film roles and credits. Most recently she was the Executive and Artistic Director of The Public Theater of San Antonio, the longest running theatre company in Texas.
Claudia de Vasco appointed to Miller Outdoor Theatre Advisory Board as Managing Director.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Claudia de Vasco back to Houston,” remarked Miller Theatre Advisory Board Chair Romulo Tim Cisneros. “This is a critical role ensuring that the future of Houston’s most diverse performing arts stage remains viable for decades to come. The entire board is looking forward to working with Claudia to steward Miller forward as Cissy Segall Davis did for so many years,” added Cisneros.

Select highlights of de Vasco’s professional associations include: The Kilroys, a group organized to promote gender parity in theater; NAMT Festival of New Musicals selection committee; and a current fellow of the DeVos Foundation Global Arts Management Fellowship for Executive Leaders. She was recognized by Business Insider, as one of the Top 25 Influential People in San Antonio, and Top 100 in Texas in 2022; she also received a Many Voices Fellowship, 2005-2006, from The Playwrights Center, Jerome Foundation.

“It’s an honor to be returning to my hometown and stepping into the role of Managing Director for Miller Theatre Advisory Board,” said Claudia de Vasco. “A stage on which I’ve performed and enjoyed as a patron. Miller Outdoor Theatre is unique with its full calendar of live music, opera, ballet, theatre, contemporary dance and much more, all presented free of charge for everyone to enjoy, and I hope that Houstonians are as proud of this institution as I am. There is not another theatre in the U.S. that presents the caliber and range of diverse performances that Miller does free to the public. That is extraordinary and I’m thrilled to be stepping into this incredible role, as improving access to the arts has been at the center of my work as an arts leader. I look forward to spending the next two months alongside Cissy as we get ready for the next decade of performances and improvements to the Miller Outdoor Theatre,” remarked de Vasco.

Miller Outdoor Theatre is open until November 11 when it concludes with a world premiere collaboration between BELLA GAIA and William Close & The Earth Harp Collective as well as a final Celebrate Miller 100 Event! Every performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre is free of charge. For the complete calendar visit milleroutdoortheatre.com.

About:
Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most beloved cultural treasures, a gathering place for the community and the site of thousands of memorable free performances. This is the largest “always free” program of its kind in the country. Miller Outdoor Theatre is an outdoor theatre for the performing arts set on 7.5 acres in Hermann Park in Houston, Texas. For 100 years Miller has provided Houstonians and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy professional entertainment in a diverse array of genres including music, dance, theatre, film, and more. Performances are always family friendly. Guests can sit in covered seating or on the grassy hillside.

Miller Outdoor Theatre is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.