Photo caption (left to right): Pioneer Theatre Managing Director Erin Foreman and Artistic Director Taylor Wisskirchen.
Heritage High School named Taylor Wisskirchen as the new Artistic Director of Pioneer Theatre this month. She will begin leading the program in July, carrying the mantle of Larry “Biff” Hart, the program’s current director. Hart, who is retiring this year, built Pioneer Theatre into the beacon of performing arts excellence it is today over the course of his 33-year career at the school.
“I had the pleasure of teaching Taylor as a student, then working alongside her to lead the theatre program over the past three years. I’ve watched her become the creative, experienced, and discerning leader she is today. I have no doubt that Pioneer Theatre is in good hands,” Hart said. “Though my time with Pioneer Theatre is drawing to a close, I’ll be cheering the program on from the audience, and I’m excited to see how it grows and evolves.”
A proud alumna of Pioneer Theatre, Wisskirchen has served as the program’s Technical Theatre Director since 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Old Dominion University, and she’s currently finishing up her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in theatre from Randolph College.
“It is my profound privilege to step into the role of Artistic Director of Pioneer Theatre. I do so rooted in the legacy that formed me and rising with a renewed vision for what our program can become,” Wisskirchen said. “As an alumna of Pioneer Theatre, there is no greater honor than returning to the very stage that first awakened my love of storytelling.”
Wisskirchen made her mark on the Pioneer Theatre community during her time as Technical Theatre Director by directing several shows, launching the annual student-led Pioneer Theatre Camp for elementary schoolers, and creating opportunities for younger students to explore the theatre opportunities available to them in high school. Alongside Hart, she also helped lead the program to the prestigious Southeastern Theatre Conference in 2024.
Hailing from E. C. Glass High School, Erin Foreman will also join Pioneer Theatre in July as the program’s Managing Director. She has a master’s degree in teaching from Liberty University and a master’s degree in theatre from Regent University. She will graduate this summer alongside Wisskirchen with a Master of Fine Arts in theatre from Randolph College.
During her seven years as Technical Theatre Director of Glass Theatre, Foreman spearheaded technical direction and production for more than 30 shows, expanded access to the arts by expanding the theatre program’s use of ASL shadow interpretation, and helped students qualify for the SETC in 2026.
“Leaving E.C. Glass after seven meaningful years is bittersweet, and I will always be grateful for Glass Theatre, the students, families, colleagues, and collaborators who shaped that journey,” Foreman said. “I remain deeply committed to supporting and strengthening theatre arts throughout Lynchburg City Schools. I cannot wait to work with the students and families who make Pioneer Theatre so special and begin building the next chapter together.”
Wisskirchen and Foreman expressed anticipation for future growth and collaboration as Pioneer Theatre enters an exciting new chapter.
“Having earned our MFAs in Theatre together at Randolph College, I have seen firsthand Erin’s creativity, insight, and deep commitment to student growth. Our shared experiences have inspired us to pursue a collaborative teaching model—one that expands opportunities, builds diverse skill sets, and increases access to the arts for every student,” Wisskirchen said.