Susan Habas has served as Executive Director of Thalian Association Community Theatre since 2011, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial stewardship for the Official Community Theatre of North Carolina, one of the oldest producing theatre companies in America. She manages the Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center and its programs for the City of Wilmington while leading Thalian Association Community Theatre’s annual season of five Main Stage productions at Thalian Hall and five Youth Theatre productions, serving thousands of patrons, students, and families each year.
A native Wilmingtonian who attended UNCW, Susan brings extensive experience in business growth, sales, customer relations, and fundraising from a successful career in fashion and retail management with Hilda Godwin’s and The Julia. Her long-standing community involvement includes producing the weekly fashion show at the Pilot House in historic downtown Wilmington for 15 years and leading numerous fundraising initiatives for local nonprofit organizations.
Working in partnership with the TACT Board of Directors, Susan has expanded the organization’s Youth Theatre and community programming, including TACT Academy, curriculum-based teacher resources, free daytime school performances, sensory-friendly performances, the Rookie Program for first-time participants, and Let’s Take the Stage, a theatre program for adults ages 55 and older. She has secured more than $150,000 annually in trade sponsorships, founded the ARTfall Exhibition at the Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center, and strengthened regional partnerships with organizations such as the Wilmington Art Association, Wilmington World War II Home Front Heritage Coalition, the North Carolina Azalea Festival, the Southeast North Carolina Veterans Day Parade Committee, and DREAMS. She also leads a diverse and sustainable fundraising program, including the successful Divine Divas events and community cabaret performances.
Susan has guided several historic collaborations and mission-driven initiatives, including productions at the Red Barn Studio Theatre (2013–2017), staging Mr. Roberts and The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, partnering with the Pender Arts Council and the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County to produce Home in honor of Pender County’s 150th anniversary, and collaborating with Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts to stage 1776 in March 2026 in recognition of America 250.
Susan is deeply committed to strengthening community through accessible arts programming, educational opportunities for youth, and collaborative partnerships that ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of Thalian Association Community Theatre. She enjoys life in Wilmington with her husband Michael and their three Havanese—Gabby, Olive, and Cuba.