14 April 2023 • Alums Stewart '15 Joins Top Houston Theatre By Katelyn Oswalt '24

Nick Stewart ’15 will lead community outreach with Alley Theatre in Houston.

Nick Stewart ’15 has recently been hired as the Engagement and Inclusion Specialist at Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas. The Alley is a top regional theatre that produces up to 16 plays each year across a variety of genres and time periods.

“I have the opportunity to do community outreach through arts initiatives specifically for the Black population of Houston, ensuring that the audience reflects the shows being produced during our seasons,” says Stewart, who holds an MFA in theatre from the University of South Carolina. “I feel blessed to have been selected to join the theatre in efforts to make the necessary changes.”

Prior to his role at Alley Theatre, Stewart performed in the Off-Broadway production of Step Afrika! and helped to develop the theatre program at Yes Prep Northside Secondary School in Houston. He was cast in Pose, but his role was cut due to COVID-19 restrictions. Following his graduation from HWS, Stewart worked at the Colleges as a Presidential Fellow.

“(Associate Professor of Theatre) Chris Woodworth and (Associate Professor of Theatre) Chris Hatch are the reason theatre has been such a driving force in my life,” shares Stewart. “I was introduced to the truth of theatre …through their teaching methods. Learning how to apply skill to a talent or a desire to grow as an artist is something I don’t take for granted because they both encouraged me through rigorous expectations and practice.”

On campus, Stewart was an architectural studies major and served as Student Trustee. He was a member of the Chimera and Orange Key honor societies, Campus Activities Board, Hip-Notiqs Step Team, Perfect Third acapella group, Concert Advisory Council and the Club Track and Field Team.