Phillip Duggins
Director
Masquerade Theatre

Houston is the fourth largest city in the nation, so, why were so many artists going elsewhere for work? That’s what prompted former Cougar Phillip Duggins to take an artistic leap of faith. While pursuing his master’s of fine arts in directing in the School of Theatre and Dance, he remembers seeing many of his friends leave Houston in order to build their acting careers. He decided to do something about it. Duggins rented a space that had one bathroom and had a dressing room installed.

“We could fit in 110 people to see a show, but then we’d have to have a 30-minute intermission because there was one bathroom,” says Duggins.

From the beginning it was Duggins’ dream to build a home for Houston artists, and now, as Masquerade Theatre celebrates 11 years, it is Houston’s fastest-growing theatre and the only resident musical theatre company in the city.

“There are many schools that teach you to perform, and there are schools that teach educational theatre, but the University of Houston teaches you to be a professional,” says Duggins. And that’s what he looks for in his resident company members. Many UH students and alumni have found a home at Masquerade including Allison Sumerall, Beth Hempen, Braden Hunt, Kristina Sullivan and Kristin Warren. Besides acting, Sumerall is the hair and make-up artist and Hempen designs costumes. Duggins credits Sidney Berger, director of the UH School of Theatre and Dance, for inspiring what is now the Masquerade Theatre.

“Dr. Berger spouts wisdom without even knowing he’s doing it. If you can get him alone and get him talking, you’ve got it made,” adds Duggins.