AACT Shining Star Award

Chris Hamby (Peoria, Arizona) serves on the AACT Board of Directors as a Member-at-Large and is the Executive Director of TheaterWorks in Peoria, Arizona. Through his leadership, TheaterWorks has strengthened its artistic programming, expanded educational opportunities, and reinforced its role as a vital cultural resource within the community.

Under Hamby’s leadership, the organization eliminated historical debt and increased revenue by nearly 50 percent, helping ensure long-term sustainability and growth. He has also expanded TheaterWorks’ education programs to serve nearly 400 students annually while prioritizing inclusive and accessible opportunities for artists, students, and audiences of all backgrounds.

Hamby has been widely recognized for his artistic leadership and commitment to community engagement. During challenging periods for the arts sector, he guided TheaterWorks through innovative immersive and nontraditional theatrical experiences that sustained artistic connection and audience engagement.

Beyond his work at TheaterWorks, Hamby has helped advance community theatre nationally through his service with AACT and his advocacy for leadership development, accessibility, and best practices within the field. His work reflects a strong belief in the power of community theatre to strengthen communities, foster belonging, and create meaningful shared experiences through the arts.