After a decade as the artistic director for Syracuse Stage, Robert Hupp is retiring at the end of the 2026/27 season.
Hupp was hired in 2016, the fifth artistic leader, following Arthur Storch, Tazewell Thompson, Robert Moss, and Tim Bond.
“Bob is not only a remarkable theatremaker, but a tireless champion of the arts with the kind of leadership and wisdom that only comes from having worked with the best and the brightest in his field, and he leaves Syracuse Stage with a strong artistic foundation that will carry us into our next chapter,” said Board of Trustees chair Dick Driscoll.
The retirement marks not just a goodbye to a pillar of the Syracuse Stage, who facilitated a decade of success for the company, but the end of a remarkable theater career.
Hupp spent nine years leading New York City’s, Obie Award winning Jean Cocteau Repertory, and then 17 years Arkansas Repertory Theatre, where he directed 30 productions, before coming to Syracuse Stage.
Under Hupp’s leadership, Syracuse Stage produced two world premieres that would go on to Broadway (“Thoughts of a Colored Man” and “How to Dance in Ohio”) and developed commissioned work from nationally recognized artists and playwrights.
Under his leadership, Stage expanded its role in the community through outreach and family shows, as well as expanding it’s partnership with the Syracuse University Department of Drama.
Hupp might most be remembered for his steady leadership through one of theater's most turbulent times. The COVID-19 Pandemic shuttered theaters across the business, but the Syracuse Stage survived. Syracuse Stage maintained full employment during the pandemic. Hupp also produced a rendition of “Amadeus” in March of 2020, which saw streaming success and reached audiences in 49 states. It was lauded by the Wall Street Journal as a standout virtual work.
"It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve this past decade as Syracuse Stage’s artistic director,” said Hupp. “I’m proud of the diverse theatrical stories our resident and guest artists have created, and of the new work, community engagement and educational programming that define Syracuse Stage for Central N.Y.”
Hupp’s curtain call will be “Les Miserable,” a favorite of his. He will stay on through June 2027, helping plan the 2027-28 season before stepping away.
