#24. Craig Hassall (Playhouse Square)

On today’s episode of Love in the Land, we’re joined by Craig Hassall, the newly appointed President and CEO of Playhouse Square! Craig has brought a fresh wave of energy and vision to Cleveland’s iconic theater district and the wider Northeast Ohio arts community. A native of Australia, Craig’s impressive career in the arts includes leading roles at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions. His journey began with the renowned Sydney Theatre Company, which opened doors for him in London, where he eventually became CEO of the legendary Royal Albert Hall. In this episode, Craig sits down with Austin to share the remarkable path that took him from Australia to London, and, unexpectedly, to Cleveland, Ohio. He reflects on how a primary school teacher ignited his lifelong passion for theater, shaping his career and personal identity. Craig also talks about the bold leap of faith it took to move across the globe, his leadership style that’s fueled his success, and his exciting vision for the future of Playhouse Square. To top it off, he even quizzes Austin on his knowledge of baseball, as Craig geared up for his first Guardians playoff game. Tune in for this captivating conversation with Craig Hassall. To learn more about Craig and Playhouse Square or to catch a show, visit playhousesquare.org and follow them on Instagram @playhousesquare. Enjoy the episode!