Theatreworks and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center announced their 2026–27 theater seasons just days apart, so this seems an opportune time to learn more about the people who help decide what audiences will see on two of the region’s largest stages.
The late, great Murray Ross was artistic director at Theatreworks, which he founded in 1976. After his death in 2017, Caitlin Lowans was producing artistic director until 2025.
Max Shulman, who grew up in Boston before living in New York, has been part of Theatreworks for about eight years; he was named artistic director after Lowans departed.
- “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” Sept. 10–Oct. 4 By Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, adapted by Christopher Bond
- “Private Lives” Nov. 19–Dec. 13 By Noël Coward
- “What the Constitution Means to Me” Jan. 28–Feb. 14, 2027 By Heidi Schreck
- “Sweat” April 15–May 9, 2027 By Lynn Nottage
- “Dear Elizabeth” June 10–27, 2027 By Sarah Ruhl
- “Come from Away” Sept. 10–Oct. 4 By Irene Sankoff and David Hein
- “White Christmas” Nov. 19–Dec. 27 By Irving Berlin
- “Grounded” Feb. 11–March 7, 2027 By George Brant
- “INvisible Threads: A Weekend of Dance” April 23–25, 2027 Collaboration with Ormao Dance Company and the Colorado College Theatre & Dance Department
- “Dear Evan Hansen” May 20–June 13, 2027 By Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
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“I stand on really tall and wonderful shoulders, not just Murray Ross, but Caitlin Lowans,” he says. “That filters down to audiences having expectations of what we do and wanting to make sure that they still see the Theatreworks they’ve loved for 50 years.”
Matt Giles is from South Carolina but has worked for theater companies all over the country. He moved to Colorado Springs in fall 2025 to be Theatreworks’ general director.
“I came in at a time when Max was already in the throes of reading scripts and sort of figuring out which pieces felt right for the 51st season and which ones didn’t,” Giles says. “It was a real joy getting to work alongside Max and try to support his artistic vision for Theatreworks and for Colorado Springs.”
Theatreworks’ next season will be a mix of classics including “Sweeney Todd” and “Private Lives,” and newer works, “Sweat” and “What the Constitution Means to Me,” that are especially relevant in current times.
Shulman describes selecting productions as a long process of trial and error and says that Giles was a great partner in thinking about the lineup from all angles. He also conferred with people who’ve been involved with Theatreworks for years.
“You’re thinking a lot about the audience and what they’re excited about. Where are the shows that can plant a flag for what our future can look like?
Max Shulman — Artistic Director, Theatreworks
They also confer with other local theater directors, so they don’t accidentally schedule the same productions. That includes Christopher Sheley, who joined the Fine Arts Center more than 20 years ago and was named the FAC theater’s producing artistic director in 2023.
“We try not to compete for performers, for musicians, for directors and designers, because we want everybody to get as much work as possible,” he says.
Sheley grew up in St. Louis, where his grandparents regularly took him to the theater, kindling his love for the art form. He also credits a high school teacher for believing in his talent.
With this year being the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he wanted to produce “Come from Away.” The award-winning musical is based on what happened after the attacks, when planes bound for the U.S. were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland.
“I really love the theme, which is about a group of human beings in the face of terrible tragedy,” Sheley says. “The random act of kindness from an entire community to a world of strangers I thought was beautiful, and I really felt like the world could use more of that story right now.”
He decided to start the season with “Come from Away” and end with “Dear Evan Hansen,” a play about being an outsider trying to connect with others.
For Sheley, the FAC’s 2026–27 season will focus on mental health and kindness. All three men feel that empathy is one of the most important things that theater can teach us.
Perhaps Giles said it best: “What I love about theater is that you come into a room full of strangers and, as you’re watching the story unfold in front of you, you’re reminded of your own humanity.”