The Ensemble Theatre has selected Donald Mason as Managing Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on November 16, 2023.
Mason will help guide The Ensemble Theatre through a new chapter of growth by developing and directing strategies that support future expansion, program development, and revenue opportunities. Mason is a committed arts and culture leader, previously serving as Executive Director of Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, and most recently, at the Classical Music Institute in San Antonio, Texas. In this role, he notably created the Junior Orchestra for Youth and secured the organization’s largest grant in its history.
“I'm deeply honored and humbled to be named Managing Director of The Ensemble Theatre in Houston. Gratitude to the TET Board and Search Committee, the TET Team, and Arts Consulting Group. I'm blessed to join an esteemed organization with a solid foundation, and excited for what's next,” said Mason. “The long legacy of TET has provided an amazing tapestry for the community through meaningful, relevant, world-class entertainment and story telling. Generations of people are connected to TET and will continue to stitch that quilt.”
In making the announcement, The Ensemble Theatre Board President Jesse Tyson said, “We are excited to have Donald come onboard to lead TET operations and re-establish our connectivity with the Greater Houston community in this post -COVID era.”
Additionally, Mason brings a background in the field of radio and as a music photojournalist covering concerts, festivals, and interviews with artists such as Branford Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Randolph, and Sharon Jones from Dap-Kings fame. Mason is a dedicated advocate for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access initiatives with decades of board service, including for the Carver Development Board, New Leaders Council, and the Lexington Philharmonic.
Mason holds a bachelor’s of science in management and ethics from Asbury University and a master’s certificate in modern musicianship from Berklee College of Music.
“It was a pleasure to partner with ACG and our board on the search efforts for our new Managing Director. We are pleased to welcome Donald Mason as our new Managing Director, and we are excited about the wealth of knowledge, experience, and talents that he will bring to the Ensemble Theatre,” said Search Chair Chereese Johnson.
“ACG is thrilled to congratulate The Ensemble Theatre on the successful completion of this search process and thank the participation of the Board, staff, and artists,” said ACG Senior Advisor Delilah Norris. “Donald is a dynamic agent of change whose extensive leadership experience and profound passion for performing arts will build upon the theatre’s legacy and secure a path to its successful future.”