As the U.S. theatre landscape evolves, a new wave of artistic directors of color and women are bringing fresh perspectives and diversifying programming at some of the nation’s most prestigious professional theatres.
For decades, nonprofit professional theatres in the United States have been predominantly led by white male artistic directors. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards diversifying the leadership in the industry. This change has been driven by a growing demand for more diverse and inclusive programming, as well as the changing demographics of communities. In this article, we will explore the impact of this shift by examining the experiences of six artistic directors of color and women who took the helm of some of the nation’s most renowned theatres in 2018 and 2019.
Redefining the Role of the Artistic Director
The traditional role of the artistic director as the sole visionary driving a theatre’s programming and culture has evolved in recent years. Artistic directors are now tasked with collaborating with multiple departments, courting donors, building and maintaining boards of directors, and advocating for their communities. This expanded role has prompted some theatres to adopt shared leadership models, while others continue to follow the singular leadership model. We will explore how these changes have impacted the work of the new artistic directors.
Jacob Padrón at Long Wharf Theatre: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation
Jacob Padrón, the first person of color to lead Long Wharf Theatre, faced numerous challenges during his tenure. From fiscal difficulties to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Padrón had to adapt and innovate to keep the theatre afloat. We will delve into his experiences and the creative solutions he implemented, such as moving the theatre to various spaces across New Haven and exploring a new “hub and spoke” model.
Hana Sharif at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis: Overcoming Resistance and Building Community Connections
Hana Sharif, the first woman of color to lead the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, encountered resistance when she sought to integrate the predominantly white institution. Despite the challenges, Sharif successfully built stronger community connections and increased representation both on staff and in the theatre’s programming. We will examine her strategies for overcoming resistance and her vision for creating a more inclusive and welcoming theatre.
Stephanie Ybarra at Baltimore Center Stage: Challenging Expectations and Weathering Criticism
Stephanie Ybarra faced criticism and pushback when she took over as artistic director of Baltimore Center Stage. Her commitment to programming more works by women and people of color was met with resistance from some stakeholders who questioned the perceived political nature of the theatre’s season. We will explore how Ybarra weathered the criticism and remained committed to her vision of creating a more diverse and inclusive theatre.
Nataki Garrett at Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Navigating Financial Challenges and Confronting Racism
Nataki Garrett, the first woman of color to lead the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, faced financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also encountered overt racism and resistance to her programming choices. We will delve into Garrett’s experiences and the strategies she employed to navigate these challenges, as well as her decision to step down from her position.
Robert Barry Fleming at Actors’ Theatre of Louisville: Fostering New Audiences and Embracing Change
Robert Barry Fleming focused on developing stronger community connections and attracting new audiences during his tenure at Actors’ Theatre of Louisville. He implemented innovative programs and partnerships to engage diverse communities and expand the theatre’s reach. We will examine Fleming’s efforts to foster new audiences and his commitment to embracing change in the theatre.
Maria Manuela Goyanes at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: Embracing Diversity and Reimagining the Future
Maria Manuela Goyanes took on the role of artistic director at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company with a focus on embracing diversity and reimagining the future of the theatre. She faced challenges related to turnover and the need to onboard new staff members, but remained committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming theatre. We will explore Goyanes’ efforts to diversify programming and engage new audiences.
Conclusion: The new wave of artistic directors of color and women has brought fresh perspectives and diverse voices to the forefront of American theatre. These leaders have navigated challenges, confronted resistance, and embraced innovation to create more inclusive and dynamic theatres. While the long-term impact of their tenure remains to be seen, their efforts have already led to more diverse programming, stronger community connections, and the cultivation of new audiences. As the theatre industry continues to evolve, the future favors bold moves and the continued commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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