Alley Theatre Names New Financial and HR Leaders

The Houston theatre appointed Tasha Criss, Julie Fancher and Courtney Luff to senior leadership roles and promoted three associate artistic directors.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of an empty proscenium arch framing a bare stage and rows of plain seats in oxblood, teal, and slate, evoking a theatre's leadership structure. — Alley Theatre in Houston named Tasha Criss chief financial officer, Julie Fancher general manager and Courtney Luff chief human resources officer, and promoted three associate artistic directors. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Alley Theatre has appointed Tasha Criss as Chief Financial Officer, Julie Fancher as General Manager and Courtney Luff as Chief Human Resources Officer. The theatre also promoted Amber D. Gray, Michael Locher and Bradley Michalakis to associate artistic director posts.

Why it matters

The appointments reflect Alley Theatre's investment in its artistic vision, organizational growth and future, according to the announcement. Houston audiences and the theatre's staff will see the new leadership structure as the organization plans its next phase.

Tasha Criss attended more than 165 unique productions in 2025 before her promotion, and Courtney Luff brings more than 15 years of executive leadership in human resources and business operations. The announcement did not disclose compensation or budget figures tied to the new positions.

The players

Alley Theatre

Alley Theatre is a Houston-based professional theatre company known for its large-scale productions and resident acting ensemble.

Tasha Criss

Tasha Criss is a finance executive who joined Alley Theatre as Controller in 2022 before her promotion to Chief Financial Officer.

Julie Fancher

Julie Fancher is a theatre administrator with prior experience at The Montgomery and in international arts organizations.

Courtney Luff

Courtney Luff is a human resources executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience in business operations.

The details

Tasha Criss started at Alley Theatre as Controller in 2022 and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Julie Fancher, who previously worked at The Montgomery, a 420-seat theatre, joined as General Manager after time overseas, including four years in Istanbul, Turkey. The appointments followed national searches, and the Artistic Department implemented a shared leadership structure.

2021: Julie Fancher moved back to the United States.
2022: Tasha Criss started at Alley Theatre as Controller.
November 3, 2026: Alley Theatre announced the leadership appointments.

Market Landscape

The appointments extend Alley Theatre's move toward a shared leadership structure, with the Artistic Department now working alongside newly named administrative executives. The changes position the theatre's finance, operations and human resources functions under dedicated senior leaders.

Houston theatergoers may see the new leadership shape season planning and ticketing decisions over time. The announcement does not specify changes to pricing or programming.

The takeaway

Leadership changes at arts organizations often reflect priorities for financial stability and artistic direction. Readers following local arts can watch for how the new structure affects upcoming seasons.