Vicki Chats with Anita Ross, Executive Director, and Alan Malone, Artistic Director of WCP/BHCT
🎙️ INTRO FOR ANITA ROSS – WCP/BHCT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Anita Ross, the Executive Director of the Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children’s Theatre — two organizations that are not only cornerstones of the local arts scene, but also safe havens for creativity, collaboration, and community.
Anita brings more than just leadership to her role — she brings heart. Deeply invested in making the arts accessible to everyone, she’s known for championing inclusion, fostering opportunities for young people in all aspects of theater, and creating a place where people feel like they truly belong. Whether it’s giving kids a place to lead backstage or welcoming volunteers to paint sets, Anita’s passion is rooted in people. An advocate for the transformative power of live performance, and a proud ambassador of all things Waterloo, Anita believes in the magic that happens when people come together — on stage and behind the scenes.
🎙️ INTRO FOR ALAN MALONE – WCP/BHCT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Joining us today, too, is Alan Malone, the Artistic Director of the Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children’s Theatre. Alan is a storyteller through and through — with a career that’s spanned the country, from the vibrant stages of Chicago and New York to touring productions across the U.S.
With training in the Meisner Technique, stage combat, and classical performance, Alan brings a wealth of experience and a creative spark to every project he touches. In addition to his impressive resume, he’s a hands-on educator, director, and actor, dedicated to igniting a passion for theater in the next generation. When he’s not immersed in rehearsal, you might find him camping under the stars, cooking over an open fire, or catching up on the latest in Formula 1 racing. Alan is a creative force — and one who understands that great theater doesn’t just entertain — it connects, challenges, and inspires.
