by Marcheta FornoffOctober 18, 2024 5:00 pm
The WaterTower Theatre alum will work closely with artistic director Jay Duffer, who has been with Amphibian since 2019. Together they will lead the theater into its 26th season — its first without founding artistic director Kathleen Culebro, who earlier this year announced her decision to step down after 25 years.
“It’s an honor,” Kensek said. “I’m just over the moon to get to work at one of the best theaters in the nation, in my opinion.” Despite living north of Dallas for the past five years, Kensek said she frequently comes to see shows in Fort Worth and that it is always worth the drive.
“We talk about the metroplex, and DFW flies out of all of our mouths as if it’s an amalgamation of an area, but I think Fort Worth has such a unique identity,” she said. “Frankly, I think some of the most exciting theater is being produced in Fort Worth.” Kensek, who previously served as associate producer at WaterTower Theatre in Addison, was laid off in August as the organization tried to cut costs. The theater is currently looking for a new home following budget cuts from the city.
WaterTower is not alone in facing financial challenges, but Kensek said she hopes it will continue to thrive as a professional theater company. “I want people to see great theater at the theater that I’m working out of so they buy tickets to other theaters,” she said. Duffer said that Kensek’s experience producing professional theater for a nonprofit will help make her transition into Amphibian smooth.
“She comes with such great ideas and vision — she is going to teach me things about the job! In the past few weeks, Elizabeth has already demonstrated how quickly she can adapt to our unique ethos, mission and values,” he said. “I knew I had to seize this opportunity quickly. She is a highly valued asset to our North Texas artistic community and is beloved by artists and patrons alike.”
Kensek will officially step into her role Jan. 1, 2025, but she has already started learning the ropes with box office and house management shifts. She is also in the process of setting up one-on-one meetings with each of the theater’s employees.
“This is just an ideal next adventure for my career and for me as an artist,” she said. “And I’m so excited to be spending more time in Fort Worth and creating … quality theater.”