(WASHINGTON, DC): Pallas Theatre Collective is proud to announce Dr. Tracey Elaine Chessum as its new Artistic Director. Chessum is the founder of Pallas Theatre Collective and has been acting as Associate Artistic Director since 2013; she succeeds Ty Hallmark, who was Artistic Director for the past two seasons. Pallas Theatre is immensely grateful to Ty Hallmark and all of her efforts to further the company’s mission, elevate the organization’s profile, and advocate for its work.

Chessum, who directed Pallas Theatre’s most recent production of code name: CYNTHIA, will work with Managing Director Caroline Brent and Production Manager Felicity Brown through the theatre’s next phase of development. As Pallas Theatre enters its sixth year, she will spearhead the organization’s renewed emphasis on new works, especially new musicals. “As a nationally recognized musical theatre scholar and historian, Tracey will be in a position to lead the company by developing a lean, engaging roster of new works,” says Erin Bone Steele, one of Pallas Theatre’s longest-standing board members.

Tracey Elaine Chessum has directed The Many Women of Troy, The Comedy of Mirrors, The Tempest, The Yellow Wallpaper: A New Musical, The Fall of the House of Usher: A New Musical, and code name: CYNTHIA with Pallas Theatre Collective. Chessum holds a Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Maryland, and is currently Asst. Professor of Theatre at Ball State University. She is passionate about developing new works of musical theatre to ensure the continuance of America’s great musical theatre tradition. Chessum is an Associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

“I am grateful to Pallas for giving me an artistic home over the past two years,” reflects Ty Hallmark. “And I am so proud of the work we accomplished together. With Pallas shifting its focus primarily to developing new works of musical theatre, and my planning a national tour with Advocates for Youth’s 1 in 3 Campaign, it is a natural move for me to step aside as Pallas Theatre’s Artistic Director. I will continue to support and advocate for Pallas in my position on the Board, and I look forward to working independently on passion projects while also revisiting my first love, acting.”

For more information, please contact Managing Director Caroline Brent at caroline@www.pallastheatre.org.