Teatro Grattacielo has appointed Hilary Baboukis as its new Director of Artistic Operations and Programming, expanding the opera organization’s full-time leadership team as it continues to develop its artistic programming and administrative operations.
The appointment took effect September 1, 2026, with Baboukis becoming the organization’s second full-time employee. The move reflects Teatro Grattacielo’s growth in recent years and its broader effort to create leadership opportunities for emerging artists and arts administrators.
Baboukis Takes Expanded Leadership Role
In her new position, Baboukis will contribute to Teatro Grattacielo’s artistic operations and programming, taking on a larger role within an organization focused on presenting opera and developing opportunities across the performing arts.
Her transition into a full-time leadership position also represents Teatro Grattacielo’s strategy of developing talent from within the organization. The company said the appointment supports its commitment to providing younger professionals with opportunities to participate in artistic leadership, administration and decision-making.
Stefanos Koroneos, Teatro Grattacielo’s General and Artistic Director, said Baboukis has already established herself as an important member of the organization through her work as both an artist and administrator.
“Hilary has already become an essential part of Teatro Grattacielo, and I have had the opportunity to watch her grow both as an artist and as an administrator. Making this position full-time is not only an investment in Hilary, but an investment in the future of the company,” says Stefanos Koroneos, the General and Artistic Director.
The expanded role gives Teatro Grattacielo additional capacity to coordinate programming, artistic planning and administrative responsibilities as the organization continues its development.
Teatro Grattacielo Focuses on Developing Arts Leadership
For Teatro Grattacielo, Baboukis’ expanded position is also intended to provide a pathway for an emerging arts professional to participate more directly in the organization’s creative and strategic activities.
Koroneos said creating opportunities beyond performance itself is an important part of the organization’s approach to developing the next generation of arts leaders.
“I believe very strongly in creating opportunities for young artists to develop beyond the stage and to become part of the leadership, decision-making, and creative life of our field. Hilary brings intelligence, sensitivity, curiosity, and a real understanding of who we are as an organization, and I am very happy that she will continue growing with us in this new role.”
The addition of a second full-time employee represents a notable organizational step for Teatro Grattacielo. A larger permanent staff can provide greater continuity across artistic projects while supporting the administrative work involved in developing and presenting productions.
Baboukis’ experience across both artistic and administrative responsibilities is expected to inform her work in the new position as she becomes more involved in the company’s programming and operations.
Appointment Supports Teatro Grattacielo’s Opera Mission
Baboukis said she views the appointment as an opportunity to contribute to opera as an active form of contemporary storytelling while helping Teatro Grattacielo strengthen its role within the artistic community.
“I am delighted and honored to step into this new role! Teatro Grattacielo fills an important and underserved niche in our artistic ecosystem and our community. It’s a privilege to be part of this amazing team, and I look forward to the work ahead,” says Baboukis.
The appointment places Baboukis in a position to help shape programming and artistic operations as Teatro Grattacielo enters its next phase of organizational development.
By establishing the Director of Artistic Operations and Programming as a full-time position, Teatro Grattacielo is strengthening its internal leadership structure while maintaining its focus on opera, artistic development and opportunities for emerging professionals. Baboukis will now take on those responsibilities as part of the organization’s permanent team.
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