Jones will begin his tenure with Casa Mañana on Nov. 3. Executive committee board member Rob Hood is currently serving as interim president and executive producer.

Jones succeeds former president and executive producer Denton Yockey, who revealed last April that he would depart the company to join the Starlight Theatre Association in Kansas City. He began his new role at the Starlight Sept. 1.

"Mr. Jones has served with North Carolina Theatre for over 20 years, investing his talents over the last six years as the NCT's executive director and producer. He consistently demonstrates progressive leadership by balancing the important aspects of creative artistry and impressive business insight," Casa Mañana board chairperson Teresa Hubbard said in a statement.

As executive director and producer of the $4 million non-profit North Carolina Theatre, Jones brought productions of The Sound of Music, starring the actual Von Trapp great grandchildren, and The King and I ,starring Lou Diamond Phillips, to Raleigh audiences. He also spearheaded NCT's Kids on Broadway education initiative and formed William Jones Productions to produce theatre for young audiences through tours.

Tickets for the 50th anniversary season at Casa Mañana are currently on sale by phoning (817) 332-2272 or by visiting www.casamanana.org.