From commissioner chair to director’s chair, Macker on the move

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — The board of directors of Off Square Theatre Company today announced the promotion of Natalia Duncan Macker to producing artistic director. Macker begins this new role as Off Square Theatre Company’s chief executive on October 1.

Macker began as a teaching artist at Off Square Theatre Company in 2010, joining the staff in 2011. During her tenure she has served as education director, managing producer, and artistic director, a position she has held since 2013, in addition to appearing periodically on stage.

“We are excited for Natalia to expand her leadership at Off Square Theatre Company. The performing arts are in her DNA, and her passion and professionalism come through with each project,” said board copresident Ed Smail.

Under Macker’s leadership, Off Square has launched Thin Air Shakespeare, expanded its partnerships with guest artists, grown its funding base through key grants from the National Endowment from the Arts, worked with Actors’ Equity Association to obtain Small Professional Theater contracting status, and more.

Macker holds a BA in theater from Yale University and received a Performing Arts Fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council in 2013.

Macker also chairs the Board of County Commissioners—a position she has held since 2015.

Executive director Clare Payne Symmons will focus efforts on development for Off Square Theatre Company. Symmons has led Off Square since 2013, growing its audience reach, creating programming for older adults, and strengthening community partnerships.

Smail says of Symmons, “Her wise and inspirational leadership has cemented Off Square Theatre Company as a thriving center of artistic excellence.  We cannot thank Clare enough for what she has done these nine wonderful years.”

Symmons plans to retire in 2022.