Our Mission
To provide a center for the arts that promotes education and community involvement in the arts
In the heart of the 20th century, a group with a passion for the arts and the beauty of the Hill Country brought to life the Hill Country Arts Foundation (HCAF). This visionary entity, now celebrating its 65th year, is a hub for artistic education, exhibitions, and performances.
The Smith-Ritch Point Theatre, a 520-seat outdoor amphitheater, hosts enchanting performances with the Guadalupe River as its backdrop. As seasons change, the magic moves indoors to the intimate Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre.
Creekside studios are alive with artists teaching and learning, while the Duncan-McAshan Gallery showcases a spectrum of exhibitions, from local works to national juried shows.
In 2024, we celebrated our 65th anniversary with a myriad of programs, drawing thousands to participate in classes, auditions, volunteering, and more. Now, HCAF needs your commitment through membership to sustain and strengthen our future. Join us in illuminating the world with the arts.
MEET OUR TEAM
The Hill Country Arts Foundation Family
Sarah Derousseau
Executive Director
Born and mostly raised in Colorado, Sarah got to Texas as quickly as she could. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Theatre with an emphasis in directing and from Schreiner University with an MBA. The day after graduating with her theatre degree, she moved to Texas and got an internship at the Point Theatre her first day here. Since that first day, she has been in love with the Hill Country Arts Foundation. In 2014, Sarah became the Director of Theatre and is now the Executive Director. Sarah lives with her husband in Kerrville.
Jennyth Peterson
Event Director
Jeff Cunningham
Set Designer/Schreiner Liaison
Jeff’s experience at HCAF began in 1995 as a college intern. He worked on the Point Stage for two summers while getting his undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts from Texas State University. He earned a Masters of Fine Arts at Temple University in Philadelphia. As a professional set designer, painter, and stagehand, he has worked in Philadelphia, Austin and San Marcos. He has worked for all the local theatre’s here and currently teaches and directs at Schreiner University. As a Theatre Associate, he focuses primarily on education, scenery and public relations.
Lysette Rodriguez
Office Manager
Lysette is a Houston native who moved to the hill country to pursue a degree in business at Schreiner University. During her time there, she was a summer intern for the Point Theatre and loved the community. She loves working backstage in costume changes and helping with makeup. Helping and watching put a production together is her favorite part of theatre. After graduation, she continued volunteering with the theatre as much as she could and fell in love with the Hill Country. Now being able to work with HCAF she is excited for the new adventure this brings.
Loriann Ketcher
Box Office
Loriann has lived all over the country and held many kinds of jobs, mostly caring for customers with her sweet demeanor and amazing listening skills. Although she is an award-winning athlete and former model, her favorite role is wife and mom. You will never see her on stage, but you will see her in the audience, cheering enthusiastically for her multi-talented husband, Chad and their four hilarious sons.
Rosanne Thrall
Director of Visual Arts & Development
Rosanne Thrall has worked in the arts her entire career. “After college, I began my career in the arts at Texas Art Supply in Houston, Texas. I was surrounded by all things art and I loved it!” Rosanne’s fine art education was put to good use while running a custom tile design business for over 25 years. She traveled to art shows throughout the U.S., and her work is in collections across the U.S. and Europe.“When I began working at HCAF, I was inspired by the setting and the wonderful people I met. Many artists from the area have shown at the gallery at HCAF and I have really enjoyed getting to know them.” Rosanne has been the director of visual arts since 2013. She also acts as director of development for HCAF.
Treston Mack
Technical Director
Treston was born and raised in the Hill Country. He was a college intern for two years at the Point Theatre, the second year as shop foreman. He spent eight years working as a theatre technician for Playhouse 2000 and has spent time both onstage and backstage for the past 10 years at local theatres. He says “I’m not very good onstage, but I really enjoy theatre and it is a fun process on both sides.” Treston looks forward to continued growth with the Hill Country Arts Foundation.
Linda Harp
Visual Arts Assistant
Mia Church
Box Office
Mia is a photographer, avid reader, and artist. She has two daughters and lives in Kerrville
Mattie Phillips
Box Office
Mattie has been at the Point for years. She acts, stage manages, runs lights and sound, and anything else that needs to be done. She is starting Schreiner University and looks forward to a great year.
Board of Directors
David L. Howard - President
David McCormick - Vice President - Art
Amy Best - Vice President - Theatre
Paula Bishir-Jensen - Treasurer
Megan Deaton - Secretary
Kerry Sutton - Geri Magnell - Valerie Grimes - Wanda Cash - Marla Coffee-Key - Judy Brittain - Adriana Escalera