Announcing New Artistic Leadership at BTE!

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble is proud to welcome Gus Menary as our new Managing Artistic Director and Daniel Millhouse as our new Associate Artistic Director, beginning July 1, 2025. They join Ensemble Member Bryan Burke, who continues in his role as Business Manager, to lead BTE into an exciting new chapter for our 2025–2026 Season.

Amelia Barrett stepped into the role of Interim Managing Artistic Director for the 2024–2025 Season, helping guide the company through a period of transition and continued artistic work. Her long history with BTE and her thoughtful leadership were invaluable during this time. A longtime Associate Artistic Director for 22 years and Ensemble Member since 1995, Amelia has been a cornerstone of BTE for years. Her deep care for our company, our artists, and our audience was evident in every production and decision throughout this transitional year. While she is not continuing in this position, her impact on the company’s legacy and future is profound and lasting. We thank her wholeheartedly for her service and look forward to her continued presence in the Ensemble.

Our incoming Managing Artistic Director, Gus Menary, brings a national reputation for inventive storytelling and inclusive leadership. He previously served as Artistic Director of Seattle’s Book-It Repertory Theatre and Chicago’s Jackalope Theatre, where he launched acclaimed new works, expanded community partnerships, and helped create the Chicago Theatre Standards, which is now used nationwide.

Returning in a new capacity is Daniel Millhouse, a longtime BTE artist who served this past season as Interim Associate Artistic Director. Daniel has worked with BTE as an actor, stage manager, and director since 2016 and brings deep insight into the company’s mission and a strong connection to our community.

This transition follows the retirement of longtime Managing Artistic Director Connie Canaday Howard, who led BTE for 24 seasons. Under her leadership, the company grew in scope, ambition, and reputation becoming DuPage County’s only professional Equity ensemble and a vital cultural voice in the region. Connie championed new plays and beloved classics, mentored dozens of artists, and helped nurture a strong ensemble spirit that continues to define BTE’s work. We are thrilled that Connie remains an active Ensemble Member, continuing her work as an actor and director with the company she helped shape.

With this new leadership team in place, BTE looks ahead with gratitude, excitement, and a renewed commitment to ensemble-driven, professional theatre.

Subscriptions for the 2025–2026 Season are now on sale!

Learn more and reserve your seats HERE or call 630.942.4000.

All the best,

The Ensemble