T2 Announces Leadership Hire, Major Grant

T2 Announces Leadership Hire, 
Major Three-Year Grant

Joanna Sheehan Bell, 
Director of Programs for the American Theatre Wing, to serve as T2 Director of Marketing & Communications

$1.8MM grant from Walton Family Foundation will support expansion and transition

Joanna Sheehan Bell

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — September 25, 2017 — TheatreSquared Executive Director Martin Miller and Artistic Director Robert Ford today announced a significant addition to the fast-growing theatre's leadership team with the hiring of Director of Marketing & Communications Joanna Sheehan Bell. Bell is the outgoing Director of Programs for the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards, where she oversaw programs ranging from grants, awards, professional development initiatives, Emmy-nominated media productions, and national partnerships during her ten-year tenure with the New York-based organization. She begins work at Northwest Arkansas's professional theatre on October 4. 

"It's a privilege to join an organization creating such high-quality work in the middle of the country," said Bell. "T2 is emerging as a national player in the industry, and I'm excited to help tell the company's story, raise its profile and lead its audience and outreach expansion during its transition to a state-of-the-art cultural facility. I'm amazed at the vibrancy of the arts scene in this remarkable area, and my family and I are looking forward to calling Northwest Arkansas home."

The new leadership position is made possible in part by a crucial commitment from the Walton Family Foundation, which recently approved a major, $1.8 million, three-year grant to help ensure a sustainable expansion during TheatreSquared's transition to its permanent home. 

"As we continue construction and the $34 million Our Next Stage Campaign, engaging a truly regional audience and securing multi-year support for our core programs is more crucial than ever," said Miller. "We're so excited to welcome Joanna to our leadership team, and we are profoundly grateful to the Walton Family Foundation for supporting T2's sustainable growth during this major transition. It's an exciting time for the arts in Northwest Arkansas."

Ticket & Subscription Info

Tickets are currently on sale for TheatreSquared's upcoming world premiere of The Champion, based on an untold chapter in the life of Nina Simone, ranging from $17-$48 at (479) 443-5600 or online at theatre2.org. Through T2’s Lights Up! For Access program, supported by the Walmart Foundation, SNAP benefit recipients can purchase $5 tickets and patrons under the age of 30 can purchase $10 tickets. For more, visit theatre2.org/lights-up.  

Subscription packages for TheatreSquared's 2017/18 Season are also on sale. Subscription options include five-play packages starting at $79 and four-play packages starting at $67. Series options include Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Limited tickets are also available to T2’s Opening Night Series on the first Friday of each production, which includes a catered reception and a champagne toast, as well as the Preview Saver Series on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each production. Subscriptions can be reserved by calling (479) 571-2785 or by visiting theatre2.org/subscribe.