Zena Vaughn spent the last four years working in Chicago’s thriving professional theatre scene, and is excited to be returning to Round Rock- her hometown- to join Penfold Theatre Company as their Managing Director.
While in Chicago, Zena served as the Managing Director of the Raven Theatre Company, a non-profit, professional theatre company serving the north side with classic American theatre. Zena oversaw a 1000% increase in season ticket holders and executed the highest grossing production in the organizations’ 27-year history. During her tenure, Raven received top honors from the Joseph Jefferson Committee, Chicago’s body that celebrates excellence in theatre, including Best Ensemble, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Scenic design and a Special Award for Outstanding Lifelong Contributions to Chicago Theatre.
Zena also served as the associate producer for several other projects in Chicago, including Rivendell Theatre Ensemble’s award-winning, world premiere of “The Walls” performed at Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Garage Theatre. She also spent a year in the Mentor Program through The League of Chicago Theatres where she studied under the General Manager of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, David Schmitz.
Prior to her stint in Chicago, Zena was a company member of Austin’s Coda Theatre Project, which was named in the top ten companies that are “charging up Austin theatre” by the Austin Chronicle in 2006.
Zena has her Masters Degree in Non Profit Management from DePaul University in Chicago, her Bachelors of Arts in Theatre from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, and is a 2001 Round Rock High School graduate.
