PHILADELPHIA: Simpatico Theatre and Azuka Theatre have announced a leadership evolution. Simpatico’s longtime artistic director Allison Heishman will be the artistic director for both companies, as Azuka’s artistic director Rebecca May Flowers transitions to pursue other opportunities. Heishman served as associate artistic director at Azuka for over a decade before assuming her role at Simpatico. Under Heishman’s leadership, the companies will produce a joint season of new plays that will aim to explore urgent themes and highlight the city’s artistic voices.
“Both Simpatico and Azuka have long been aligned in mission and spirit,” said Heishman in a statement. “This joint season is a celebration of artistic synergy and a commitment to sustainability and shared leadership as we navigate a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.”
This venture brings together two companies known for championing emerging voices, risk-taking storytelling, and deep-rooted community engagement. The 2025-2026 season will feature two world premieres by Philadelphia playwrights (1 Pound 4 Ounces by Khalil Munir and Class C by Chaz T. Martin), continued dedication to new play development, and city-wide community engagement that embraces equity, accessibility, and innovation, retaining each company’s core values—including Pay What You Decide ticketing and robust community programs.
Flowers will continue to support Azuka as a member of Azuka’s Producers Circle and as outgoing artistic director through the first production of the 2025-26 season. She has also announced that she will be the founding artistic director of the new Philadelphia Children’s Theater, which will ramp up operations in the coming year in preparation for an inaugural season in 2026-27.
“Azuka has always championed the power of art and artists to grow empathy, strengthen community, and disrupt systems,” Flowers said in a statement. “Mark Andrews, Allison, and I worked closely to come up with a plan to continue this mission, and I am excited to cheer on the team as they usher in the next inspiring chapter for both organizations.”
As Simpatico’s artistic director since 2017, Heishman has expanded the company’s artistic profile, pioneered community-driven initiatives, and led provocative seasons of award-winning theatre. In her dual role, she will guide both companies through an integrated vision for storytelling that centers Philadelphia voices and urgent narratives.
“This is a creative homecoming,” said Heishman in a statement. “I’m excited to deepen connections with the artists, audiences, and communities that shape our work. We’re not just sharing seasons—we’re building a model of collaboration that strengthens the cultural fabric of Philadelphia.”
Founded in 2006, Simpatico Theatre aims to produce new and reimagined works that challenge the status quo and uplift unheard voices, encourage civic dialogue, promote empathy, and spark change. It is a resident theatre at the Drake. As of 2023, its budget is $44,265.
Founded in 1999, Azuka Theatre believes theatre should be accessible to all. With its Pay What You Decide model, Azuka aims to remove barriers to entry while producing work that amplifies often-unheard voices, ignites conversation, and fosters community. Azuka is also a resident theatre at the Drake. As of 2023, its budget is $328,448.
