It is my pleasure to introduce to you the brand new Executive Director of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center & Theatre in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. I am “over the moon” that Brett Elliott is taking the helm at “The Kate.” Brett hails from Michigan. I have worked with him as the interim director over several months and he is one peach of a guy. Please seek him out the next time you are at our “gem of a place with a movie star name” and say howdy. I am a founding board of trustees member and have had the wonderful fortune of being a part of this 250-seat theater from its inception. I just can’t say enough about what good hands the venue is in with Brett taking over from it’s founding Executive Director, Chuck Still who got us up and running some 6 years ago….now more great things are coming just watch!
Brett served as the Kate’s Interim Director since founding Executive Director Chuck Still announced his departure in November. Sonny Whelen, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “We couldn’t be happier having Brett join us as our next Executive Director. In his position as interim director, Brett has shown us that he has all of the skills and leadership qualities to bring the Kate forward as we continue to expand our role in the community. This is a very exciting time for all of us.”
Starting in 2012, Elliott spent two years in Chicago where he received his MFA in Arts Leadership from DePaul University, a joint program with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Elliott produced several projects for Chicago Shakespeare including the world premiere of “Since I Suppose”, a technology driven, live interactive performance developed by Australia’s one step at a time like this. Elliott also spent a brief period in the finance and operations department at Broadway in Chicago.
Elliott is no stranger to Eastern Connecticut or the Kate. He worked at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center from 2009-2012. He then found his way to the Kate through lighting and production work.
Holding a BA in Theater from Saginaw Valley State University, Elliott is a proud product of the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival, an organization which gave him his start. “After six years, there is no doubt about the quality, quantity, and variety of entertainment at the Kate; it truly is a cultural gem on the shoreline,” Elliott stated. “I am very proud to not only be back at the Kate, but to lead this organization at such a vibrant and exciting time. I look forward to getting to know those in the community, as well as the thousands of patrons that come to the Kate each year,” Elliott concluded.