Honoring Our Past, Leading Houston’s Musical Theatre Future
Theatre Under The Stars is Houston’s home for musical theatre—a nonprofit arts institution producing Broadway-caliber shows while nurturing local talent and expanding access to the performing arts. Since 1968, TUTS has brought unforgettable musicals to life that inspire, entertain, and unite audiences across generations.
Our history includes the Broadway-bound world premiere of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as well as groundbreaking reinterpretations of classics—like our Oklahoma!, a critically acclaimed co-production with Houston Ballet that fused lush choreography with bold new storytelling. As one of the first regional theatres granted rights to produce Disney’s Frozen, and among a select few nationwide to stage the rarely performed Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, TUTS continues to lead at the forefront of musical theatre innovation.
Each season at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts features a vibrant mix of homegrown productions and national Broadway tours, offering audiences unforgettable experiences—produced locally by artists who live and work in our community, and joined by top musical theatre talent from across the country.
Houston’s Home for Musical Theatre
More Than a Stage
TUTS is more than a place to see great theatre—it’s a place where lives are transformed through the power of performance. Our award-winning education and community engagement programs serve thousands of students every year:
The Humphreys School of Musical Theatre provides year-round training in singing, dancing, and acting for students of all ages. Notable alumni include Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy), and Mallory Bechtel (Dear Evan Hansen).
The River offers inclusive arts education for students with disabilities, creating a joyful and barrier-free environment for artistic expression.
Each year, the Tommy Tune Awards honor the best in high school musical theatre across Greater Houston. Over 6,000 students from 70+ schools participate, with hundreds taking the stage at the Hobby Center in a spectacular celebration of talent.
Disney Musicals in Schools helps elementary campuses build sustainable musical theatre programs, offering mentorship, curriculum, and creative community.
Leading with Vision
TUTS is led by a dynamic team of nationally recognized arts professionals:
Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director, is a Tony®-nominated director and choreographer whose Broadway credits include Lysistrata Jones, Xanadu, Sondheim on Sondheim, 110 in the Shade, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. At TUTS, Dan has directed celebrated productions such as The Secret of My Success, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Elf, and the organization’s Public Works Houston production, Seussical at Miller Outdoor Theatre. He also serves on the board of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society.
Hillary Hart, Executive Director, brings over two decades of leadership in nonprofit theatre, with experience spanning operations, strategic planning, and national touring. Hillary previously held senior positions at Dallas Theater Center, La Jolla Playhouse, and the Guthrie Theater. She is an alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a proud member of both the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and the Broadway League, where she serves on the Road Committee and Legislative Council. Hillary joined TUTS in 2017 and has been instrumental in advancing its mission of access and excellence.
Join Us
With a proud legacy of innovation, inclusion, and impact, Theatre Under The Stars is more than a theatre company—it’s a cultural cornerstone helping shape the future of Houston’s creative life.
Follow us: @tutshouston and @tutseducation on all social platforms.