Indiana Repertory Theatre names new artistic director

The Indiana Repertory Theatre and its board of directors announced Benjamin Hanna will be the theatre’s new Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director.

Hanna is the current associate artistic director. 

He officially steps into the role after current Artistic Director Janet Allen’s retirement on July 1. IRT announced in June 2022 that Allen planned to retire after 40 years of service.

“It was important for IRT to consider the whole field when contemplating its next leader,” IRT Board Chair Mark Shaffer said. “After engaging with a nationally diverse and impressive pool of candidates, Hanna emerged as the best fit due to his talent, passion, and inclusive leadership style.”

READ MORE: Janet Allen: 'After nearly 40 years of service to the IRT, it's time for change, both for me and the institution'

Hanna will champion new playwrights’ work, expand offerings for student and multigenerational audiences, and develop partnerships alongside newly appointed Director of Inclusion and Community Partnerships Devon Ginn.

IRT said Hanna will inspire a board, staff, and artistic team that "reflects the beloved communities the IRT serves with programming reflective of the diversity and resilience of all Indy residents."

“I am deeply honored to serve as IRT’s next artistic leader,” Hanna said. “In our next chapter, I envision a theatre that is nationally celebrated, revered for producing challenging new works of the highest caliber, and is known as a leader in modeling equity and inclusion."

He said he wants break down historic barriers to the Theatre and welcome new audiences.

"I am committed to using theatre’s transformative power to strengthen our cultural community, build spaces of belonging for historically marginalized voices, and to serve as a vital catalyst for conversation, education, empathy-building, and civic engagement,” he said.