The out-of-the-box Fort Worth theater company Hip Pocket Theatre is starting the New Year with a new managing director: Gianina Lambert.

The Texas Wesleyan University grad has previously worked as a stage manager at the al fresco Hip Pocket, and will now manage the day-to-day in the newly created position.

“We’re thrilled to add Gianina to the Hip Pocket Theatre staff in the new position of managing director,” says Holly Ellman, chair of the board of directors. “Her experience as a stage manager at Hip Pocket proved her ability to face problems head-on and develop creative solutions that benefit all."

Ellman notes in the press release that an anonymous donor's recent contribution has allowed the theater company to expand to a full-time, locally managed leadership team — a major help as Hip Pocket gears up for its rapidly approaching 50th anniversary in 2026.

"This critical support allows our co-artistic directors, Lake and Lorca Simons, to dedicate more time to their creative vision, ensuring Hip Pocket's continued growth and artistic excellence," says Ellman.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Lambert began her theatrical training at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, working most notably for Looking In Theater Company, a performance ensemble comprised of teenagers from the Greater Hartford area.

She continued her education at Texas Wesleyan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting. She has worked with Fort Worth Opera, Circle Theatre, Artes de la Rosa, Casa Mañana, and Stage West, and served as stage manager for several Hip Pocket Theatre productions, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Big Love during the recently concluded 48th season.

"I joined Hip Pocket Theatre in the summer of 2021 and my heart has not left since,” Lambert says. “I’m passionate about continuing the legacy of community, innovation, and technique that Johnny Simons, Diane Simons, and Douglas Balentine have built. I’m also thrilled to be working alongside Lake and Lorca Simons, two brilliant creatives whose artistry has shaped and molded me in beautiful ways. Together, I’m confident we can take Hip Pocket to new heights as we move toward the highly anticipated 50th season."

Based in Fort Worth, Hip Pocket Theatre is a unique, alternative theatre company known for its imaginative, experimental productions and its rustic outdoor setting.

Established in 1976, the theater combines an unconventional approach to storytelling with original scores, drama, humor, puppetry, mime, and movement. Hip Pocket produces a wide variety of works, including original plays, adaptations, musicals, and multimedia performances. Often incorporating elements of fantasy and fable, the theater creates an immersive experience filled with creativity and artistic exploration.

The 2025 season has not yet been announced.