Seasoned leader to guide operations and community partnerships as company celebrates 50 years 

Colorado Springs, CO – September 11, 2025 – Theatreworks proudly announces the appointment of Matt Giles as its new General Director, completing the company’s expanded leadership model alongside Artistic Director Max Shulman. This milestone comes as Theatreworks launches its 50th Birthday Season, reaffirming its commitment to bold storytelling, community connection, and operational excellence. 

Introduced in April 2025, the reimagined structure places two senior leaders at the helm: a general director to oversee strategic operations, business development, and community partnerships, and an artistic director to guide the company’s creative vision. This model strengthens Theatreworks’ foundation for the next 50 years while ensuring robust support for both artists and audiences. 

“Matt’s appointment brings us an accomplished, nationally recognized leader with a proven record of organizational growth, artistic innovation, and community engagement,” said David Siegel, Executive Director of the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS. “He not only brings a wealth of experience but also a clear passion for the transformative role theatre plays in civic life. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to Colorado Springs.” 

Giles has more than 15 years of leadership experience in professional theatre. Most recently, he served as Artistic Director of South Carolina Children’s Theatre, where he oversaw significant growth, expanded programming, and secured new funding, including the organization’s first Shubert Foundation grant. 

Previously, he was General Manager at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people, where he supported new play development, playwright commissions, and literary adaptations. Earlier, as Associate Producing Director at Seattle Rep, he helped launch Public Works Seattle, a nationally recognized community-engagement program, and contributed to landmark productions including the world premiere of Come From Away and the first regional staging of David Byrne’s Here Lies Love. 

“Guided by the belief that culture is a birthright, I see theatre as a catalyst for empathy, imagination, and civic vitality,” said Giles. “Theatreworks’ commitment to community, artistry, and bold storytelling aligns beautifully with my own values. I’m thrilled to help steward this company into its next half-century, ensuring it continues to thrive as both an artistic home and a civic treasure.” 

Max Shulman, Artistic Director of Theatreworks, added: “Matt and I share belief in theatre’s power to connect people and spark imagination. As we step into this 50th Birthday Season, I couldn’t ask for a more thoughtful, visionary partner to help lead Theatreworks into its next chapter.” 

In addition to his institutional leadership, Giles has served as an adjunct faculty member, consultant, and national panelist on arts leadership and engagement. His career reflects a belief in theatre as a space that not only entertains but also fosters civic connection and social change. 

“Matt’s vision for what a theatre can mean to its community is aligned with Theatreworks at this exciting juncture,” said Lynne Hastings, Chair of the Theatreworks Advisory Board. “As we celebrate 50 years, his leadership alongside Max Shulman ensures Theatreworks’ legacy of artistic excellence and community engagement will continue to evolve and flourish.”

Media Contact:

Elyce Gronseth
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS
egronset@uccs.edu

About Theatreworks Colorado Springs 
Theatreworks Colorado Springs, based at the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS, is a professional theatre company committed to producing works that engage, challenge, and inspire audiences. With a robust season of diverse performances, Theatreworks connects the Colorado Springs community through the transformative power of live theatre. Visit entarts.org/theatre

About the Ent Center for the Arts 
Located on the UCCS campus, the Ent Center for the Arts is a first-class facility fostering creativity and collaboration. It serves as a central space for the arts, bringing together diverse ideas and people. Visit entarts.org