September 19, 2016
Ellie Colpitts
TheatreWorks hired Julie Maykowski as their new managing director in June. Maykowski replaced Bill Prenevost, who served as the department’s first managing director in June 2015.
Duties of the managing director include determining the programs TheatreWorks will produce and supervising operations alongside artistic director Murray Ross.
Maykowski’s wide array of experience makes her a wellrounded candidate for the job, according to technical director Jerry Ditter.
“Julie is an amazing business woman with this wealth of knowledge from other universities and professional theater companies she’s worked with,” said Ditter.
Maykowski, a Colorado Springs native, came to UCCS from San Diego State University, where she was the opera director, bringing with her an extensive background in arts administration and opera.
“I’ve wanted to get back to Colorado for a while, because it means being home and closer to family. This job has been on my radar, and I’ve actually applied for it twice now,” said Maykowski.
Maykowski received her bachelor’s degree from Drake University and went on to earn her doctoral degree from the University of Kansas. Since then, she has worked as a manager of education and director of artistic administration in many other states.
The program supports students and helps to prepare them for their performance careers.
“This is such an interesting company and opportunity, and there’s so much coming up. This company has such a wonderful reputation, so it really was just intriguing,” said Maykowski.
Maykowski is expected to strengthen the program through her experience with classical shows as well as help the transition to the Ent Center, according Ditter.
“She hit the ground running and is ready to tackle our transition to the new Ent Center (for the Arts) while keeping us focused on the task at hand and helping us change for the better,” said Ditter.
Ground was broken on August 13, 2015 for the Ent Center, northwest of the main campus.
This anticipated 92,000 square-foot building will house the dance, music and theater programs as well as TheatreWorks.
“Putting all of those art organizations in one building has the potential for creating amazing collaborations,” said Maykowski.
“Getting into that new building and seeing how we grow as an organization is probably the thing I’m most excited for.”
Maykowski wants to to spread the ideas and talents of her program to different departments on campus.
“I think there’s a huge benefit to anyone to have (theater) experiences and be able to get up in front of people; you have to have a certain comfort being with an audience.”