Metro Theater Company Announces Jacqueline Thompson as Artistic Director
With an illustrious career spanning acting, directing, teaching, and community engagement, Thompson brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to advancing the mission of MTC.
Thompson's journey with Metro Theater Company is deeply rooted. From her early involvement in productions to her recent collaborations, she has demonstrated a remarkable dedication to youth-focused theater and community impact. Her vision aligns seamlessly with MTC's commitment to providing meaningful experiences for young audiences while amplifying diverse voices and stories.
"Jacqueline's passion for theater that inspires, challenges, and transforms fits perfectly with our mission," said Nancy Garvey, Board Chair of Metro Theater Company. "Her extensive experience, coupled with her profound understanding of the transformative power of storytelling, makes her the ideal leader to guide us into the future."
Thompson's extensive background includes an MFA in Acting from the University of Louisville and a BA in Speech Communication from Clark Atlanta University. She currently serves as a faculty member at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and has held various teaching and directing positions across the country. Jacqueline is eager to connect students and community members to MTC’s mission through her continued work with UMSL.
"I am honored and deeply humbled to take on the role of Artistic Director at Metro Theater Company," said Jacqueline Thompson. "I share MTC’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity within creative spaces. It's paramount to me that diverse voices are not only heard but actively included in the artistic process. I firmly believe in the power of engaging young audiences with programming that authentically reflects their lived experiences and celebrates their uniqueness."
Jacqueline is no stranger to Metro Theater Company, having directed notable productions like GHOST and LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET. Her involvement as an Associate Artist in recent years further underscores her deep commitment to the organization's mission.
Retiring Artistic Director Julia Flood commented, “Jacqueline's appointment as the new Artistic Director fills me with absolute joy and confidence for the future of Metro Theater Company. I am genuinely ecstatic to pass the torch to someone as talented and dedicated as Jacqueline. I have no doubt that under her leadership, Metro will continue to thrive and inspire for years to come.”
After several months of transition and overlap, Julia Flood will officially retire on June 30. As Metro Theater Company embarks on this new chapter, Thompson's appointment signals a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and artistic integrity. Her leadership promises to usher in a dynamic era of creativity and collaboration, further solidifying MTC's position as a vital cultural institution in the St. Louis community.