Telluride Theater has announced the creation of a new full-time position and the hiring of Mary Higgins as its new development and operations manager. Higgins joined the company after her five years of acting as an actor. Audiences may recognize her in some of Shakespeare’s productions in the park. In this new role, Higgins will manage Telluride’s theater fundraising and grant writing activities, as well as donor/membership relations.
“The addition of Mary creates a very balanced team for Telluride Theater,” said Melissa Turn, Producer-Director. “Mary’s continued connection with her TT as a performer and collaborator has made her such an asset to our organization in connecting with patrons and donors alike. Telluride Theater We are thrilled to have this strong member join our women-led leadership.”
Her previous non-profit theater work includes Creative Strategies for Change in Denver, Pillsbury House Theater in Minneapolis, BETC Colorado in Boulder, and local non-profit organizations such as Telluride Academy and Telluride Historical Museum.
In a recent news release, Higgins said, “While I am still looking forward to performing in theater, I am really excited to learn a different type of role, focused solely on supporting Telluride’s art scene. “We have a lot of incredibly talented artists here, from dancers to directors to technical artists to teaching artists. I would like to continue.”
Higgins attended Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, where he earned a master’s degree in philosophy with an emphasis on theater theory and performance.
According to Higgins, the reason she applied for her newly appointed position was the passion displayed not only by Trn, but by the company’s leadership of artistic director and company founder Sasha Cucciniello.
Higgins said, “Theater is an inclusive art form that I strongly believe is for everyone and is part of a healthy community.” It wasn’t because I was attracted to it, but it was even more so because I knew people at the helm were as passionate about the importance of theater as I was. means passionate, like loving something wrong, so if you need to emphasize what you believe, you want someone by your side who feels the same way I would think.
According to her, the power of theater can be summed up in one word: storytelling.
“This is the oldest form of communication possible, a humane connection, a beautiful and loud wonder trying to make sense of whatever this being we happen to encounter,” Higgins said. “We all know what it’s like to love, lose, mourn and dance with joy. Give us the opportunity to understand what life would be like, for better or worse, if we weren’t.” It is my lifeline.”
In this new behind-the-scenes role, Higgins will be responsible for fostering the growth of donor relationships and the company’s financial health.
“This role primarily consists of supporting the evolution of the theater and its growth in overall effectiveness,” she explained. “In a way, I think of myself as a godmother. Thankfully, the theater staff are all hands-on-deck environments, so we do this in a variety of ways depending on our needs.”
Higgins has appeared in numerous Telluride Theater productions, including the original version of “The Odyssey” last spring.
“This show allowed for a lot of physical movement, mixed art forms, and classic hero journeys,” she said. It was the collaborative nature of the piece that made me want to come back and take it even further. It offers a unique opportunity to explore on a different level.”
To become a member of Telluride Theater or to donate, please contact Higgins at mary@telluridetheatre.org.
Telluride Theater is committed to advancing the performing arts in the region through innovative productions, educational programs and community involvement. We live in moments of sincere relationships, foster joyful celebrations, and create theaters that are open dialogues accessible to all audiences.
