Derek Charles Livingston Announced as New Artistic Director of Stages in Houston

The Utah Shakespeare Festival announces the departure of Derek Charles Livingston, the director of New Play Development, this season’s director of Henry VIII, and former Interim Artistic Director. Livingston will be leaving the Festival to join Stages in Houston as their new Artistic Director.

Livingston will take over in August for Kenn McLaughlin, who is retiring after 23 years with the Houston performing arts organization.

During his tenure at the Festival, Livingston made significant contributions to the Festival’s artistic community. His leadership in directing productions, fostering new play development, performing, and guiding the Festival through various important transitions has left an indelible mark on the organization. Notable roles at the Festival include directing this season’s Henry VIII and last season’s A Raisin in the Sun, as well as performing as Thurgood Marshall in Thurgood in 2022. His work on Henry VIII was particularly noted for its innovative approach and dynamic storytelling on a play that is rarely done.

He was also responsible for introducing a number of shows to Festival audiences including Trouble in Mind in 2022, Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical in 2023, and Polar Bears, Black Boys, & Prairie Fringed Orchids in 2022’s Words Cubed new play development program.

“Derek has been an invaluable member of our team, and while we are sad to see him go, we are also incredibly proud and excited for his next chapter,” said Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr. “His vision and passion for the arts have greatly enriched our organization, and we know he will bring the same level of dedication and creativity to Stages in Houston.”

Prior to his time at the Festival, Livingston had other extensive and impressive positions in the theatre industry. He has served as the Managing Artistic Director at Celebration Theatre, Program Manager/Production and New Play Producer at Playwrights Project, and Festival Artistic Producer at Plays in Progress, Cygnet Theatre. He has also taken on acting roles at various theatres and directed multiple plays.

Livingston’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the New Hampshire Drama Award for Lead Actor in Driving Miss Daisy, LA Scenie Awards for directing Sweeney Todd and M. Butterfly, and LA Ovation nominations for directing Shakespeare’s R&J, for producing for Pinafore!, and producing Hedwig and the Angry Inch (winner). He also received LA Weekly nominations for directing Insurrection: Holding History and M. Butterfly.

“I am thrilled to be joining Stages in Houston and look forward to the opportunity to work with such a vibrant and innovative community,” said Livingston. “While I will always cherish my time at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, I am excited about the new possibilities and challenges that lie ahead.”

For further reading, visit Stages website and American Theatre Magazine.