Lyric Stage Boston Names Courtney O'Connor Producing Artistic Director

The Lyric Stage Boston Board of Trustees has appointed Courtney O’Connor to Producing Artistic Director. 

President of the Lyric Stage Board of Trustees Ron Sudol says, “I am thrilled that Courtney has accepted the position of Producing Artistic Director of Lyric Stage Boston.  After long experience as a stage director and theater professional, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the job as chief executive of our theater.  She is well-suited by experience and temperament to advance our mission to present superlative live theater to Boston-area audiences and to surmount the challenges facing all non-profit cultural organizations."

Producing Artistic Director Courtney O’Connor says, “Lyric Stage has been my artistic home since I first directed here twenty years ago. My experience and journey to this moment is but one example of how the Lyric Stage mentors and supports the careers of Boston-based artists. What a true honor it is to lead the Lyric Stage as we celebrate our 50th birthday as Boston's oldest professional theatre and look ahead to the next 50 years of creating locally-sourced theater for a world-class city in Boston's most intimate venue.”

Later this month, Executive Director Matt Chapuran will be leaving Lyric Stage to become the Executive Director of the Conservatory Lab Foundation, raising money and awareness for the Conservatory Lab Charter School in Dorchester.

Executive Director Matt Chapuran says, “For the last five years, I have been honored to work with Courtney, who has become one of my closest friends. Together we have built what has been one of the most rewarding working relationships of my career. The Global Pandemic, negotiating with new ownership at 140 Clarendon, and many other challenges could have been overwhelming, but with Courtney as my partner, I never felt lonely.” 

Courtney O’Connor joined the full-time staff of the Lyric Stage in 2018 and was named Artistic Director in 2020. She has directed several pieces for the Lyric Stage, including Stones in His Pockets, Red Hot Patriot, The Cake, 
Be Here Now, The Book of Will, and Preludes. Courtney received the 
Elliot Norton award for her work as the Associate Director on the Lyric Stage’s production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.

Courtney’s dedication and passion for supporting Boston artists has been championed through the fostering of new works such as Mr. Parent and The Walking Plays. Lyric Stage’s educational programming including Back Stage and Lyric First Page thrive under her leadership, employing local playwrights, actors, and designers. 

Making theater accessible for all is an initiative that is vital for Courtney and to have the ladder of ticket pricing options in the Lyric For All Program has opened doors to audiences of all ages and economic means to have the ability to see professional live theatre.

History of the Lyric Stage Company of Boston

Founded in 1974 and in residence at 140 Clarendon Street since 1991, Lyric Stage Company is Boston’s longest-serving resident theater company. Its mission is to produce and present live theater in Greater Boston with an intimate approach that promotes inclusivity and connection. The Lyric Stage leads an effort to integrate live theater and theater education into the lives of all residents of greater Boston.

Lyric Stage and Beacon Communities, LLC, the owners of 140 Clarendon Street, have agreed that the building will be Lyric Stage’s “forever” home, ensuring that the theater will remain a vital and essential part of the cultural fabric of the city. 

In partnership with Beacon Communities, LLC, Lyric Stage will continue its commitment to improving the lives of Bostonians alongside a partner who shares those same values. With the partnership of Pine Street Inn, 111 of the units in the building will become supportive housing for people exiting homelessness. The combined energy of Beacon’s supportive services alongside one of the city's cultural gems makes 140 Clarendon a paragon of two institutions coming together to make the city a better place for its residents. 

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