Joining the Northeastern Department of Theatre to oversee the administrative elements of both the academic department and the theatre season is new Theatre Operations Specialist Darren Evans. Evans is a multi-dimensional, award-winning theatre artist who has been a highly regarded leader in Boston theatre for nearly 15 years.

“We were looking for an accomplished arts administrator, and Darren is the best there is,” said department chair Scott Edmiston. “He is a person of diverse talents and skills who has combined them in unique ways to create a meaningful, successful career. In addition to managing our day-to-day operations, he is a role model for students interested in starting their own theatre company.”

Prior to coming to Northeastern, Evans was the Director of Programs at the Boston Center for the Arts where he created and managed seven staff, multiple budgets, and five performance and rehearsal spaces in the multidisciplinary two-acre arts complex. He oversaw the Resident Theatre Company Program and was the primary liaison between the BCA and emerging and established theatre companies including the Tony Award-winning Huntington Theatre Company.

Simultaneous to his work at the BCA, Evans founded Theatre on Fire, a resident company at the Charlestown Working Theater. TOF produces bold contemporary work and has become one of New England’s’ most dynamic fringe companies. “We take audiences out of their comfort zone,” Evans explains. “TOF requires me to wear many hats. I am in charge of choosing and directing the plays, budgeting, casting, hiring, and marketing.” The company has been nominated for more than a dozen IRNE Awards and three Elliot Norton Awards.

Evans has also worked with numerous Boston-area theatre companies as a freelance director, designer, and production manager, including Company One, Zeitgeist Stage, Centastage, Theater Offensive, and more.  In 2010, he received Company One’s Lois Roach Award for Commitment to the Boston Theatre Community. He has an M.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College.

“Northeastern’s theatre program is really blossoming,” Evans said. “I’m excited to contribute to the growing ambitions of the students, faculty, staff and guest artists. I have a passion for theatre and the drive to make things happen. And I have been known to wear a cool hat.”