Dallas Theater Center Appoints Jaime Castañeda as Artistic Director

The Dallas Theater Center (DTC) has appointed Jaime Castañeda as its new artistic director, effective July 2026. Castañeda, who has a rich history with both DTC and the North Texas arts scene, will be the sixth individual to hold this position. He succeeds Jonathan Norton, the current interim artistic director, who will continue to lead the theatre through the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Castañeda’s inaugural season will commence with the 2026-27 lineup, which he will curate. Norton, a resident playwright at DTC, is set to conclude his interim role with the world premiere of his play, Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes, at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem, scheduled for May 2026.

Lynn Pride Richardson, chair of the DTC board, expressed confidence in Castañeda’s appointment, stating, “DTC is committed to artistic excellence and community engagement. We believe Jaime’s experience, creativity, bold vision, and proven leadership will guide DTC into an exciting new chapter.”

Castañeda’s relationship with DTC dates back to 2012, when he directed the theatre’s production of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity by Kristoffer Diaz. His career began over 20 years ago in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he founded Firestarter Productions while still a student at Texas Christian University. His diverse directing portfolio also includes work at local institutions such as Kitchen Dog Theater and Circle Theatre.

In recognition of his talent, Castañeda has received the Princess Grace Award and the Drama League Directing Fellowship. He holds a BFA from Texas Christian University and an MFA in Directing from the University of Texas at Austin. His recent directing ventures span across prominent theatres nationwide, including American Conservatory Theater and South Coast Repertory.

DTC’s executive director, Kevin Moriarty, praised Castañeda’s artistic vision and collaborative spirit, saying, “Jaime brings a bold, visceral artistic vision and a deep commitment to new voices. I am thrilled to welcome him home as DTC’s new Enloe/Rose artistic director.”

As artistic director, Castañeda will oversee DTC’s artistic vision, direct and produce plays and musicals, and manage the theatre’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company. He will collaborate closely with Moriarty, the staff, and the board of trustees to advance DTC’s mission.

Castañeda follows a distinguished lineage of artistic leadership at DTC, which includes founding artistic director Paul Baker and former directors Adrian Hall, Ken Bryant, Richard Hamburger, and Moriarty, who served from 2007 to 2022.

Board member Chris Luna remarked on the successful national search that led to Castañeda’s selection. “His energy is contagious, and he understands Texas and Dallas. We look forward to collaborating with Jaime as he continues his innovative approach to regional theater,” he stated.

Castañeda was chosen after a thorough national search conducted by Management Consultants for the Arts. The search committee included various notable figures, such as Luna, Richardson, Moriarty, and others from the Dallas arts community.

Reflecting on his new role, Castañeda shared, “Growing up in Texas, Dallas Theater Center was one of the first places where I saw what professional theater and excellence looked like. I’m thrilled to come back and build on the history of artists and leaders who have been a part of this organization.”

The Dallas Theater Center’s current production of A Christmas Carol runs through December 27 at the Wyly Theatre, showcasing the theatre’s ongoing commitment to high-quality performances during this transition period.