Samantha Turner. Photo courtesy of DCT.
The Dallas Children’s Theater has a new captain at the helm as it prepares for its 40th season.
Introduced at Wednesday’s DCT board meeting, Samantha Turner took over for Co-Founder Robyn Flatt as executive director, effective June 12. Prior to joining DCT, Turner served as the executive director for Ballet Arizona, previously working as the marketing director for the company.
“I am honored to be a part of this storied and nationally-recognized organization of artists that has been providing the highest levels of professional theater to children, families and students for four decades,” Turner stated in a press release. “What Robyn has built here is an integral part of the Dallas arts and education landscape, and I am excited to get to know this thriving community of theater enthusiasts and to build on the success that is so evident at DCT.”
DCT Board of Trustees President Jim Markus expressed the board’s enthusiasm for the selection in the release.
“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter in DCT’s history. The Board of Trustees and DCT Staff welcome Samantha Turner, who is joining us as we launch our landmark 40th season. As we completed our 22-23 season with a sold-out run of CHARLOTTE’S WEB and head into another summer teeming with young students in our Academy summer camps, DCT’s mission and role in the community are relevant now more than ever.”
Turner was chosen by a selection committee for her business acumen and familiarity with the preforming arts after a nine-month process. Her predecessor Robyn Flatt will continue to work on special projects at the DCT after 39 years of leadership. Additionally, she will work on a book and film covering the work of her father, Paul Baker, a gargantuan figure in the history of theater in Texas.
