Head of theatre program to leave Hood mid-summer

After six years of working at Hood College and leading Hood College Theatre (HCT) for the past year, Aaron Angello will depart Hood when his contract ends in late July.

Angello, an English professor, became the head of the theater program just last year and was a professional actor and director. He was awarded one course release to do so, and essentially picked up a second full-time job.

Angello says that he is unsure where his future will lead him after July.

“I’m going to Phoenix to be with my wife, who is studying law at ASU. My plan is to focus on writing projects out there,” Angello said. “Then there’s a chance I might be back at Hood in fall ’23, we’ll see about that though. Mainly, my future plans are focused on creating stuff, writing and theater.”

Under Angello’s direction, the theater program has produced four well-received shows, restarted the theater practicum class, in which students get credit for working on HCT or HCSMT productions, held workshops and received support to work in theater around the community. 

“I want the program to be huge,” Angello said. “I want people around Frederick to come to shows at Hood because they’re good. I think in a few years, it could be a big program with a major.”

Brian MacDonald, an equity actor who teaches acting at Catholic University, will become the new director of the program next year. One of Hood’s current English professors, Suzanne Beal, will also be working with the program. Beal will be directing “The Glass Menagerie” next year, along with current Hood choir director, Lynn Staininger.

“There are a lot of people who want to work to keep the momentum going,” Angello said. “And I’ll still be available for discussions and consultations. I’ve invested too much into the program to just let it falter.”

While he might not be present at Hood every day anymore, Angello said he still hopes to be involved and see the program continue to grow.

“I love my colleagues in English and around the college. They have become lifelong friends, and leaving them makes me really sad, actually,” Angello said. “And the students I’ve had the honor to work with have been, consistently, so fun, lovely and deeply inspiring. I’ve seen so many brilliant students blossom, intellectually and creatively.”