Englert Theatre announces new interim executive director following resignation

IOWA CITY — After a year of evolution in programming, The Englert Theatre has announced a shift in leadership.

Following the resignation of John Schickedanz Thursday, the downtown Iowa City theater’s board of directors has appointed Keegan Colletta Huckfeldt as its interim executive director. The announcement said Schickedanz resigned “to pursue other opportunities.”

Huckfeldt serves as an adjunct professor for the Event Management Certificate at the University of Iowa. Additionally, he works as a cofounder and producer for Footliters Imagination Studio, a program that presents series of shows tailored to young audience members.

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Since 2022, he has served as The Englert’s events director. In the past, the he has contributed to programming at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts and Riverside Theatre, and worked at the Old Creamery Theatre in the Amana Colonies for eight seasons.

“The Englert is a gem in our community. It creates unique events that spark conversation and collaboration, it creates space for local, national, and international artists alike, and it continues, as it has done for over a hundred years, to bring people together,” said Huckfeldt. “The Englert team’s passion, expertise, and desire to make our community the best it can be continually inspires me. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them and lead the Englert forward in its mission.”

Schickedanz first stepped into the role after Andre Perry’s departure in 2021. He served as an interim director before securing the position permanently in 2022.

The theater has not yet announced details of a search for a permanent executive director.

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“The Englert’s board of directors is now assessing the needs of the organization as it determines future steps to shape the next chapter of this 113-year-old historic theatre,” said Cat Dooley, senior marketing manager.

The shift in leadership follows major changes in programming.

Earlier this year, it celebrated its final year producing Mission Creek music festival with endeavors to return to its roots at the helm of cofounder Andre Perry and literary programming director Nina Lohrman.

“So much has changed in the music industry and the literary world since we started 20 years ago,” Perry said previously. “We want to build something that’s an essential space for emerging and underground musicians, writers and publishers, especially from Iowa and the Midwest.”

Last month, The Englert launched a new Songwriters Festival to further develop local infrastructure for the craft.

An open house and historic building tour led by Huckfeldt and staff members will open to the public on Nov. 2 at noon or 2 p.m. The hourlong tours will be followed by refreshments, a chance to meet the Englert team, and the opportunity to ask questions in between.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.