In 2025, Montgomery Theater transitioned leadership for the first time in our history. Our Founding Artistic Director, Tom Quinn passed the torch to Kristin Heckler, our new Executive Artistic Director. Her role was bequeathed to Emma Drennen, our new Director of Development and Marketing.
In a fitting full-circle moment, Montgomery Theater’s other co-founder (and Tom’s wife), Hope deFrenes, rejoined the staff in 2024 as Patron Services and Facilities Supervisor. With Kristin’s artistic leadership, Hope’s deep knowledge of the theater’s operations and patrons, and Emma’s fresh eyes and perspective, they will work together to build a bright future for Montgomery Theater.
Adam Danoff is continuing as our Director of Education and Production, taking on a larger role as our Resident Sound Designer. Ryan Canney has been our Box Office and Production Manager, with the addition of designing all props and set dressing for Main Stage shows. Together, this team of five puts together everything you see from Montgomery Theater.
The Artistic Director shapes the artistic vision of the theater, overseeing all programming and productions. Kristin is responsible for:
- Selecting all Main Stage and Project Stage productions
- Directing at least three shows per year
- Assembling and hiring creative teams, including directors, designers, and production staff
- Overseeing our Education Programs, including two sessions of classes and two student productions annually
- Expanding and strengthening programming to better serve our diverse community
- Serving as the theater’s spokesperson and community liaison, continuing Tom’s legacy of delivering professional, thought-provoking, and entertaining theater to our audiences
The Director of Development and Marketing oversees all fundraising efforts and promotion of our programs. Emma is responsible for:
- Individual and Corporate Donors including mail campaigns
- Fundraising events, including our Annual Fundraiser
- Sponsorships
- Foundation Grant Applications
- Digital Marketing including email campaigns, social media, and Meta advertising
- Print Marketing including postcards, programs, and flyers
- Promotion of all special events
Kristin’s journey with Montgomery Theater began long before she joined the staff—she grew up in Sellersville, and while she was in high high school, her family had a season subscription. When she graduated from Duke University with a dream of pursuing theater, she met with Tom for career advice. His favorite moment of that lunch 15 years ago? When she told him, “I want your job.” Serendipitously, there was a job opening at the theater and Kristin joined the staff as Box Office Manager & Production Associate. During that time, she worked closely with Tom and became his first (and only) Assistant Director, on productions including Becky Shaw, Any Wednesday, Jacob and Jack.
She later moved to New York City, earning her MFA in Theatre Directing from The New School and working as a director and producer for nearly a decade. Kristin founded Recognize Theater, a company dedicated to exploring gender roles in society, and was Associate Producer for On Her Shoulders, a reading series reviving forgotten works by female playwrights. Before returning to Montgomery Theater, she worked as Programming Manager at Theatre Row, a six-venue theater complex in Midtown Manhattan. In 2020, she snuck in a return to MT to direct a very successful run of Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley.
Emma came to Montgomery Theater one year after graduating from Villanova’s Theatre MA program. While at Villanova, she had the opportunity to study as an actor, stage manager, dramaturg, educator, and playwright. Immediately after graduation, Emma traveled to Dublin, Ireland, where she spent the summer working at The Abbey Theatre (Ireland’s National Theatre). There, she learned more about the daily ins and outs of a professional theater and supported the Literary & New Works department as well as the Producing department. Upon her return from Ireland, she spent a year continuing her work as an actor and dramaturg while working full time in marketing. This wide range of experience has helped her approach her work at Montgomery Theater with a holistic mindset and deep appreciation for all the moving pieces that allow a theater to function.
Prior to her graduate studies at Villanova, Emma worked in marketing for The Visiting Angels Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of seniors. She received her BA in Theatre and French from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, where she grew up vacationing with family. Emma grew up in Delaware County, and has always called the Greater Philadelphia area home. Her deep ties to the region and her thorough understanding of the many facets of a working theater have allowed her to approach her work in development and marketing with enthusiasm and creativity.
Kristin, Emma and Hope work together to steward leadership of Montgomery Theater. We are excited to hear from you about your experiences at Montgomery Theater. Each of us specializes in different departments. Reach out to the following leader, depending on your topic of interest!
- Kristin: Questions about programming or to share something you'd love to see at MT
- Emma: Anything related to fundraising or donations, or ideas about how to spread the word!
- Hope: Feedback about your experience seeing a show at Montgomery Theater.
Kristin will continue the tradition of delivering thought-provoking, professional theater that has made Montgomery Theater a community gem. Expect familiar favorites, fresh interpretations, and bold new works that will challenge and inspire.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this exciting transition and the bright future ahead!