Theatreworks Chicago Tour

Caitlin Lowans is a theatre director, arts educator and community-builder, currently serving as the Artistic Director at Theatreworks Colorado Springs, the professional theatre in residence at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Prior to Theatreworks, Caitlin came from Chicago, completing coursework for their MFA in Directing at Northwestern University, with thesis currently in process (yes, Mom, it will get done!). Prior to Northwestern, Caitlin served as the Associate Artistic Director and Director of Education at Greater Boston Stage Company (formerly Stoneham Theatre), an Equity Theatre north of Boston, as well as freelance director, teaching artist, and dramaturg in New England.

Armstrong comes to GOCA from Inside Out Youth Services, where she built access, equity and power with LGBTQIA2+ young people and an extraordinary team for four years. 

Prior to and alongside this meaningful work, Armstrong has spent nearly 20 years in the museum, gallery and public art realm, most recently as an award-winning curator of modern and contemporary art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC). During her decade at the FAC, she became known for immersive and interactive exhibitions. 

Armstrong holds a B.A. in studio art and communications from the University of Denver, an M.A. in contemporary art history and criticism from Kent State University, and completed her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, Research, and Policy from UCCS in 2021. 

Her dissertation “History and Belonging: A Phenomenological Study of Participatory Public Art Murals in Colorado” investigated the ways in which creative engagement with public art can build community, celebrate identity, and address systemic social inequities to advance a more just tomorrow. 

In addition to her academic pursuits, she is both personally and professionally a committed proponent of authentic, collaborative, community engagement in the arts as a powerful tool to improve individual and societal health.