Founded in 1978 by George Hawkins, The Ensemble Theatre is one of the foremost in the country, routinely mounting regional and local premieres of new plays; alongside a repertoire of classic works and musicals.

The Ensemble kicked off its 45th anniversary season in September and announced the appointment of a new Managing Director, Sharon Samuel. Alluding to the theater’s history she tells Houstonia, “George Hawkins established The Ensemble Theatre to showcase the stories of African American people like me, from our vantage point, with our own voices, but shared with the masses when there was no space available to do so. ”  

The director's background is held in public accounting and business. Samuel has accumulated degrees from Sam Houston State University, the University of Houston, and Rice University’s Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. As a longtime community supporter of The Ensemble, she led the organization’s through a number of systemic upgrades ranging from electronic payments processing to information digitization, and policy revisions. 

“It is truly important to be a part of and understand that the stories told here are not just African-American stories, but American stories that have a cultural undertone and can affect one’s and other’s in many ways such as: seeing yourself in others, social and cultural empathy, and a general understanding of history,” she says.

Samuel's appointment follows the retirement of the Ensemble’s Executive Director Janette L. Cosley. As Managing Director, she looks forward to enhancing the Ensemble’s reputation nationally, along with continuing to connect with the Houston community. The new appointee is especially committed to an improved patron experience. 

“Studies have shown that less than 10% of philanthropic funding goes to the arts; an even smaller percentage is contributed to cultural arts organizations,” she explains. “I am looking forward to sharing our story and services with organizations in order to serve our community.” 

One way of doing that is upping the Ensemble’s educational programming. Introducing new generations and assisting current performing artists to the work of the organization, while deepening their understanding of theater. 

“Woven in the fabric of life are stories, and we are primed to share them with the world,” she says. “The upcoming world premiere of The Lawsons is one. such It’s local but has wide-ranging impacts and we want everyone to know how our local activists played a part in the larger fight for social justice.”

Samuel began her tenure on July 1 and calls it an "honor to serve the theater that has given her so much joy." 

For more information on The Ensemble Theatre’s 45th anniversary season, visit here.