WaterTower Theatre’s Board of Directors is proud to announce that JC Schuster has been promoted and named the organization’s permanent Producing Artistic Director, effective October 1, 2026.
Schuster will continue serving as Interim Producing Artistic Director through September 30, working alongside the Board and staff to guide WaterTower through its leadership and fiscal transition and prepare for the 2026–27 season.
Read the full letter from WaterTower Theatre’s Board of Directors below.
Dear Friends and Patrons of WaterTower Theatre,
We're writing to share great news about WaterTower Theatre's leadership. The Board of Directors is proud to announce that JC Schuster has been promoted and named the permanent Producing Artistic Director, effective October 1, 2026. JC will continue serving as Interim Producing Artistic Director through the remainder of the organization’s current fiscal year, working alongside the Board and staff to guide the organization through its leadership fiscal transition, strengthen its operational foundation, and prepare for the 2026–27 season.
This is a well-earned next step in a leadership journey he has been building at WaterTower. Since stepping into the role of Interim Producing Artistic Director, JC has led with clarity, decisiveness, and heart. He moved quickly to assess the organization's needs, make prudent decisions, and outline a solid plan for the future. He has also worked closely with the Board's Executive Committee to ensure sound, transparent oversight during this transition period.
JC brings a rare combination of expertise to this role: a lifelong artist's eye and a producer's discipline. A Dallas native with over 20 years of Broadway and entertainment industry experience, he came to WaterTower as Associate Producing Artistic Director, where he spent a year and a half deeply immersed in the company's artistic and production work before assuming interim leadership.
Like many arts organizations regionally and nationally, WaterTower is navigating a period of rising costs and a shifting funding landscape. JC’s track record and steady, proactive leadership has given the Board full confidence in the path ahead. He is committed to shaping WaterTower’s next chapter through exciting programming, meaningful opportunities for North Texas artists, and professional theatre that welcomes and connects our community in continued partnership with the Town of Addison.
Thank you, as always, for your belief in WaterTower Theatre and its mission. Our patrons, sponsors, staff, artists, and the Town of Addison make everything we do possible. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre!
With gratitude,
The Board of Directors, WaterTower Theatre