Buffalo Theatre Ensemble is excited to welcome Gus Menary as our new Managing Artistic Director and Daniel Millhouse as our new Associate Artistic Director, effective July 1. They join Ensemble Member Bryan Burke, who continues as Business Manager, to lead us into an exciting 2025–2026 Season.
This announcement follows a season of transitional leadership. After the retirement of longtime Managing Artistic Director Connie Canaday Howard in 2024, Amelia Barrett stepped in as Interim Managing Artistic Director. A trusted Ensemble Member and former Associate Artistic Director for 22 seasons, Amelia provided thoughtful, continued artistic work during this time of change. Her deep care for our company, our artists, and our audience was evident in every production and decision throughout. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and look forward to her continued work within the Ensemble.
We also honor Connie Canaday Howard, who led BTE for 24 seasons with artistic vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to ensemble-driven storytelling. Under her leadership, BTE grew in ambition and reach, becoming DuPage County’s only professional Equity ensemble and a vital force in our local arts community. We are thrilled that Connie continues with us as a director, actor, and Ensemble Member.
Now, we look ahead. Gus Menary brings a wealth of experience from Seattle’s Book-It Repertory Theatre and Chicago’s Jackalope Theatre, where he championed bold new work and helped establish the Chicago Theatre Standards. Daniel Millhouse, a familiar face on our stage and behind the scenes since 2016, now officially joins the leadership team after serving this past season in the interim role.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Managing Artistic Director with Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, a company comprised of some of the most talented artists and practitioners in the Chicagoland area. I look forward to supporting and building on their decades-long legacy of creating vibrant professional theatre at the McAninch Arts Center, the beating heart of the arts in DuPage County.” - Gus Menary
“Serving as BTE’s Interim Associate Artistic Director this past year has been an incredible honor. To now officially step into the role is both deeply meaningful and genuinely exciting. One of the greatest joys of this work has been connecting with our audiences and the wider DuPage community.” - Daniel Millhouse
Together, Gus, Daniel, and Bryan bring energy, experience, and a shared commitment to BTE’s mission of creating vibrant, ensemble-driven theatre.
Subscriptions are on sale! Single tickets available starting August 8.
From all of us at BTE, thank you for your support, your presence, and your belief in the power of live theater. Here is to what comes next!
With gratitude,
The Ensemble
Subscribe or Renew - Your Way!
By Phone:
Call the MAC Box Office at (630) 942-4000
In Person:
Stop by the Box Office in the MAC Lobby
By Mail:
Send your completed Order Form to:
MAC Box Office
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Online:
Purchase an Online Flex-Pass and redeem tickets when you are ready
Note: Additional Online Fees Apply
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble is a designated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Your donation may be tax deductible to the extend permitted by law. Please check with your tax advisor.
In residence at:
The McAninch Arts Center - College Of DuPage - 425 Fawell Blvd - Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Our mailing address is:
Buffalo Theatre Ensemble - PO Box 2608 - Glen Ellyn, IL 6013