In just May and June of 2026, not one, but two Temple Owl alums and faculty members were named to top leadership positions at Philadelphia area theaters!
Alum and faculty member Lindsey Smiling (‘03) will become The Wilma Theater’s Artistic Director starting in July, and Prof. Amina Robinson (‘99, ‘03) will become Theatre Horizon’s Artistic Director starting in November!
After serving as a co-Artistic Director for the last three years, Smiling takes on the full title of singular Artistic Director after decades of working with The Wilma Theater. A founding member of The Wilma’s HotHouse Acting Company, Lindsey has been seen onstage in many productions, and directed there as well, most recently, The America Play, in which he also performed. In addition to being an alum of Temple, Smiling has been an influential adjunct faculty member for many years.
“It's a real honor to step into the role of sole Artistic Director at the Wilma Theater and help lead it into this next chapter,” said Smiling. “The Wilma has shaped me in so many ways, both as an artist and as a person. After more than 20 years in relationship with this theater, I have such deep respect for what Co-Founding Artistic Directors Blanka and Jiri Zizka built and for the impact they've had on Philadelphia... Looking ahead, I'm excited to keep growing the Wilma's reach and ambition with the HotHouse Resident Acting Company at the heart of the work, in deep collaboration with the playwrights, directors, designers, and guest artists who shape every production alongside them.”
Amina Robinson, a Professor at Temple TFMA with both a Bachelors and Masters degree in theater arts from Temple, has worked as a prolific director and actor including directing multiple shows for Theatre Horizon. Notably, she directed their 2019 production of The Color Purple, which not only brought the theater several regional Barrymore Awards but made history when Amina won for Outstanding Directing, making her the first black woman to win in the category. “This theater has played an important role in my journey as a director, beginning with The Color Purple, and throughout this process, I was reminded once again of the creativity, generosity, and sense of community that defines this organization.” Robinson said in the official announcement, “I’m honored to step into this new role and excited to build deeper relationships with the artists, audiences, students, and neighbors who make Theatre Horizon such a vital part of Norristown and the region’s cultural landscape.”
They join many alums including Deborah Block (Artistic Director of Theatre Exile) and Kevin Glaccum (former Artistic Director of Azuka Theatre) as Owls helming Barrymore-winning theatrical institutions.
These new appointments are further evidence to demonstrate how pervasive Temple Owls are in the cultural landscape of Philadelphia, particularly in performing arts! Don't miss the incredible work coming from Temple-led theaters!