Amphibian Stage Appoints Managing Director

Amphibian Stage is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Kensek as Managing Director, effective January 1, 2025. Elizabeth will begin transitioning into her role during the run of The Amazing, Fabulous, and Spectacular Untruths of Juan Garcia this October and November, where patrons may see her assisting in box office and house management.

Elizabeth Kensek’s appointment comes as the organization bids farewell to its founding Artistic Director, Kathleen Culebro, who will step down at the end of this year after 25 years of leadership. Elizabeth will collaborate closely with the newly appointed Artistic Director, Jay Duffer, and the Board of Directors to oversee the theater’s business operations, administration, and daily activities. Together, they will ensure Amphibian Stage’s continued financial health, artistic quality, and commitment to its mission.

Elizabeth’s hiring has the full support of Amphibian’s administration, staff, and Board of Directors. Her extensive background in arts administration and her passion for live theater make her a valuable addition to the team.

Jay Duffer and Elizabeth Kensek
Photo by Evan Michael Woods

Jay Duffer, Artistic Director, said: “I’m ecstatic to work alongside Elizabeth. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in producing nonprofit professional theater. Because of this, I’ve no doubt that the transition will be seamless for our staff, donors, and patrons. 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. 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. Everything she will bring to our organization and community will be beneficial to our longevity.”

Jennifer Jolin, Board President, added: “Elizabeth’s skill set and experience in the industry, along with her wonderful personality and can-do attitude, make her a perfect fit. She will enable Amphibian to move into the future with new ideas while maintaining the unique culture that makes us such a special part of the arts scene in the Metroplex.”

Elizabeth Kensek expressed her excitement: “I am honored to be joining Amphibian Stage in their historic 25th year. I have been a long-time admirer of Amphibian and of Kathleen Culebro and Jay Duffer as artistic leaders in American Theatre. As a supporter of professional theater, I rarely missed an Amphibian production since returning to DFW 5 years ago. I was always struck by the high caliber of talent, ingenuity, and creativity in their programming, but also by my own excitement every time I walked into their lobby—knowing that I was about to be welcomed in and would have the opportunity to experience something new and unexpected. I am thrilled to get to work with the whole Amphibian team, and I look forward to being a champion of their mission—sharing the excitement I always felt with fellow theater lovers as Amphibian enters its 26th Season. I believe in serving the artistic community here in DFW, and I believe that we have the opportunity to become a national destination for theater.”

Elizabeth Kensek
Photo by Evan Michael Woods

Elizabeth Kensek brings over 20 years of experience in the theatrical arts—as a performer, stage manager, educator, and producer. She grew up in Chicago, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Illinois Wesleyan University, and called NYC her home for over a decade. She moved to the DFW metroplex in August of 2019 to serve as the Associate Producer of WaterTower Theatre in Addison, TX. A professional actor since the age of 13, she has worked in theaters across the US in genres including musicals, plays, classical, devised, experimental, and children’s theater in over 100 productions. Elizabeth is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and has expanded her professional theater experience to include stage management and producing roles in the last decade. In NYC, she served as the Director of Development and Artistic Associate for Theatre 4the People and was a member of Working Man’s Clothes Theatre Company.

In DFW, she is recognized for her work with The Barcus Brothers band at music venues and as an actor on local stages. Elizabeth is a founding member of the DFW Theatre Alliance, which united North Texas professional theaters during the pandemic, and she has served on grant committees for TACA and NAMT. Elizabeth lives in Anna with her partner, Steve Barcus, and their two dogs, Henry & Junior.