Hub Artistic Director Helen R. Murray to Step Down at Close of 10th Season

The Hub Theatre announced today that Helen R. Murray, Hub's Founding Artistic Director will be stepping down at the end of the current season to move into her new role as Executive Producer of the Aurora Fox Arts Center in Aurora, CO.

After a decade leading The Hub Theatre, Helen R. Murray will be stepping down as Artistic Director at the end of Season 10. Her final season at The Hub includes directing two World Premiere's that were both commissions that she put into motion. Murray will also return to The Hub's stage to play the role of Kari in THE PAVILION, which was The Hub's inaugural production.

Said Hub Artistic Director, Helen R. Murray "It is such a fitting season on which to go out. I am overjoyed to bring these two World Premiere's to the stage after having worked with the playwrights for so long. And to be back onstage at The Hub, in the very play that kicked things off...I could not ask for more." Murray admits that leaving The Hub was a hard decision. "I love The Hub. It has been the greatest artistic journey of my life to helm this company. I have watched it grow from its infancy and I cherish every moment I have been a part of here. I am so thankful to the Hub Company of Artists, our Board of Directors past and present, and to Hub's staff for their vision and passion. It has been my utmost privilege and joy to work with the incredible artists, students, and patrons that have come through our doors. The Hub has been my home for so long - it is difficult to leave. But it is time for a new journey, and I look forward to championing artists and working with new communities as this path unfolds."

Anne DeVaughn, Hub's current Board Chair had this to say about Murray's departure. "Saying farewell to Helen Murray is without a doubt a bitter sweet moment for The Hub family. The Hub is Helen's vision, one that we all take part in. She has imprinted her heart and soul on this theatre company, but we must let her go so that she may inspire artists in other communities in the same way she has done here. Helen will always have a place here, but we wish her every success in her new role. The Hub Theatre will always be a home for artists who celebrate our common humanity and we are excited to carry the mission of The Hub forward into this next chapter. The Hub will continue to thrive and grow, sharing stories about how we are all connected and part of a bigger story of hope."

Helen R. Murray (formerly Pafumi) began her career as an actor in Washington DC. She credits Keegan Theatre for being the theatre that brought her back to the stage after the hiatus she took when her kids were young. She went on to find her way through Theatre Alliance, Forum Theatre, Folger Theatre, Theatre J, among others. It was her work with new plays as an actor that prompted her interest in helming a theatre company. Murray founded The Hub in 2008 with Marey Oakes and Maggie Ulmer. Hub quickly defined itself as a home for playwrights and new plays, and eventually became the home for Murray's own writing as well. Her original plays have been produced by The Hub Theatre, Theatre Alliance, ArtsWest, Malibu Playhouse, JCCNV and been seen at the Kennedy Center's Page to Stage Festival. Since The Hub's inception Murray has produced and directed multiple World, U.S. and Area Premiers, an annual Emerging Writers Festival for student playwrights, new play festivals, and commissioned original work from national and area artists. She has directed both locally and across the country. She has appeared in numerous independent films, voiceovers and area commercials. Murray holds a BA in Theatre from Virginia Tech. She has been nominated for a Helen Hayes Award, Outstanding New Play for her co-adaptation of WONDERFUL LIFE. Murray's play ABOMINABLE was nominated for the national Steinberg New Play Award. She is the recipient of the Puffin Foundation Award and the Washington Canadian Partnership Award and her play REDDER BLOOD won the 2016 Jewish Playwriting Contest.

Murray is moving into her new role as the Executive Producer of the Aurora Fox Performing Arts Center in Aurora, Colorado in a part time capacity beginning in January, but will not begin full time until July 2018. " I am very thankful that I have until the end of this season at The Hub to help them transition to a new Artistic Director and to ease into my new job" said Murray "I am thoroughly excited to helm the Aurora Fox. The staff are talented and committed individuals and the city of Aurora prizes art in its community. I am thrilled by the city's willingness to bring in a new voice like mine and will work hard to be deserving of such an honor."

The Hub Theatre Board of Directors will be doing a search for Hub's new Artistic Director and plan to have Murray's successor in place by the end of Season 10.

The Hub Theatre is a professional, 501c3 nonprofit theatre organization, member of Theatre Washington, and is generously supported by the Arts Council of Fairfax, Microsoft, Friends of Lake Anne, The Kennedy Center's Keenan Fellowship, Fairfax City Commission on the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Integrity Applications, and Silverwood Associates.