As the Indiana Repertory Theatre opens its 54th season, the downtown Indianapolis institution is welcoming an experienced theatre professional to its leadership team. Ben Jones has been named Director of Production, bringing a background that spans major regional theatres and national and international touring performances.

In his new role, Jones will work alongside IRT co-CEOs Benjamin Hanna and Suzanne Sweeney to guide productions from their earliest planning stages to the stage. As a member of the Theatre’s senior staff, he will help advance its artistic ambitions and support its mission of producing high-quality professional theatre for regional audiences.

“Ben Jones has built an impressive career working across the country at some of the finest theatres in the field,” said Hanna, the IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director. “As we build the future of IRT, Ben will be an important part of strengthening how we work, expanding what we’re capable of, and positioning the Theatre for continued growth and artistic ambition. I’m excited to see where his leadership takes us and how, together, we can move IRT to new heights.”

Jones most recently served as Director of Production at Chicago’s Harris Theater for Music and Dance, where he oversaw more than 100 events, performances and productions annually. That work encompassed a wide range of artists and organizations, from community-based companies to national and international touring acts.

His experience also includes serving as Production Manager at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In those positions, he led the day-to-day management of large productions, building the technical and organizational expertise he now brings to Indianapolis.

Jones holds a Master of Fine Arts in Technical Design and Production from the Yale School of Drama.

“I am honored and overjoyed to join the team at Indiana Rep—a cornerstone of the thriving Indianapolis Arts Community, and an organization with the ambition and talent to assume a place of prominence in the world of American Theater,” Jones said.

His appointment adds experienced production leadership as the IRT begins a new season. Working with the Theatre’s artistic and administrative teams, Jones will help bring its creative vision to life for audiences in Indianapolis and across the region.