Industry Pro Newsletter: New Artistic Directors at Theater Mu and Almeida Theatre, Groban to Host 2025 Jimmy Awards

Relive the 78th Tonys and celebrate the new Gavin Creel Fellowship

By: Alex Freeman Jun. 10, 2025

This morning, we’re looking back at Sunday’s biggest moments, from Cynthia Erivo's powerful hosting to the well-deserved wins and unforgettable performances that capped a remarkable Broadway season. Beyond the awards, we’re looking at the newly announced Gavin Creel Fellowship and Josh Groban hosting the Jimmy Awards. While we celebrated a triumphant Broadway season on Sunday, we are also looking at challenges at Dallas Children’s Theater as well as some more musical chairs of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad

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Industry Trends

The American Theatre Wing to Launch The Gavin Creel Fellowship

The American Theatre Wing has announced the creation of The Gavin Creel Fellowship, honoring the late Tony Award-winning actor. This new fellowship will support promising young artists in their transition from academic training to professional careers in musical theater. The inaugural recipient will be selected by the spring of 2026, with details about the application process and eligibility to be announced at a later date. This initiative aims to continue Creel's legacy of mentorship and artistic excellence within the theater community.

Josh Groban to Host the 16th Annual Jimmy Awards

Tony-nominated artist Josh Groban will host the 16th Annual Jimmy Awards, also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, June 24, at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre. This prestigious event celebrates the best of high school musical theater talent from across the nation. Eighty-eight student finalists will perform, vying for scholarships and recognition in various categories.

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts to Shut Down After 45 Years

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts (NYCDA) will be closing its doors after 45 years of operation. The school, founded in 1979, was known for its acting programs. Current students will be able to complete their studies through the spring 2025 semester. The decision to cease operations comes amidst various challenges facing performing arts institutions.

Broadway/New York

Full Coverage of Broadway’s Biggest Night

Miss a speech? Want to relive a performance? Cynthia Erivo hosted a powerful night celebrating one of the strongest Broadway seasons in recent history - and BroadwayWorld was there from start to finish with leading coverage from the carpet to backstage. Relive it or catch up on it all at the link above!

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB Wins ACCA Award for Outstanding Broadway Chorus

The Broadway production of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB has been honored with the Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) Award for Outstanding Broadway Chorus. This recognition highlights the exceptional work of the show's ensemble. The ACCA Award is presented annually by Actors' Equity Association to a Broadway chorus that demonstrates superb artistry and collective spirit. The award will be presented at a ceremony later this season.

Linda Lavin, William Finn, Gene Hackman, and More to be Honored in Inaugural Marquee Dimming

A new tradition has begun on Broadway, honoring significant figures with an inaugural marquee dimming ceremony. Linda Lavin, William Finn, and Gene Hackman are among those who will have their names honored with a brief dimming of Broadway marquees. This special tribute recognizes their profound contributions to the American theater. The ceremony took place on June 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM.

Regional

Dallas Children's Theater Reduces 2025/26 Season to Three Productions Amid Funding Cuts

The Dallas Children's Theater (DCT) has announced a reduction in its 2025/26 season, scaling back to only three productions. This decision comes as a direct result of significant funding cuts. The theater, known for providing family-friendly entertainment and educational programs, faces financial challenges impacting its ability to offer a full schedule. The reduced season aims to sustain the organization while navigating the current economic climate.

American Theatre: Theater Mu Names Fran de Leon New Artistic Director

Theater Mu, a prominent Asian American theater company, has announced Fran de Leon as its new Artistic Director. De Leon brings a wealth of experience in both performing and directing to the role. She will lead the company in its mission to celebrate and explore the Asian American experience through theater. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the organization, continuing its commitment to diverse storytelling.

International

The Guardian: Dominic Cooke appointed as the Almeida Theatre’s artistic director

Dominic Cooke has been appointed as the new artistic director of the Almeida Theatre in London. Cooke is a highly respected director with a distinguished career in British theater. He previously served as artistic director of The Royal Court Theatre. His appointment is expected to bring a new artistic vision to the renowned Almeida, known for its innovative and thought-provoking productions.

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June 3, 2025 - As The Broadway Box Office Booms, States Look at Reducing Funds

This week, we’re looking at key data on the financial health of the industry from Broadway's record-setting season to the critical role of stable real estate for smaller New York City companies, as revealed by A.R.T./NY's "HEALTH + WEALTH" report. While we celebrate achievements like the Excellence in Theatre Education Award and the Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations, we also look at ongoing challenges in arts funding across the nation, with states like California, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire facing proposed cuts and shrinking resources.

May 27, 2025 - ART/NY Looks at Compensation Trends in the Off-Broadway Space

This week, we delve into the financial health of the arts, from a record-breaking Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS fundraiser and new leadership at TCG, to concerning reports on theatre workforce compensation and critical investment needs for aging arts centers. We also look at exciting venue developments like the Astor Place Theater's new chapter and Lincoln Center's campus redesign, alongside insights into where grassroots theatre is truly flourishing.

May 19, 2025 - The Impact of NEA Grant Cuts, Global Arts at a ‘Tipping Point’

This week's newsletter navigates a complex landscape for the theatre industry, from the immediate shockwaves of NEA grant terminations and their profound impact on individual organizations, as detailed by Cara Joy David, to A.R.T./NY's revealing "Health + Wealth" report offering both stark realities and paths toward resilience in a challenging post-COVID environment. On Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber's potential acquisition of the former Mark Hellinger Theatre and the celebration of the Broadway League's latest award winners. Regionally, we see both ambitious growth with the announcement of David Rockwell's new magic experience in Chicago and concerning retrenchment as Berkeley's Aurora Theatre suspends its upcoming season.

BroadwayWorld Resources

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Add Your Show to our Regional Events Calendar

As audiences get set to return to in-person performances, and as your company works to market your own return to the stage, make sure you've got your upcoming shows in our regional events calendars. Listings are free of charge, with boosting options available. Get your show listed now

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This week, we look at the record-setting viewership of the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and renewed efforts in New York and abroad to redefine cultural priorities. Across Broadway, we probe shifting economic pressures on creatives through a new interview with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Meanwhile, with the announcement of a new arts and culture transition committee by Zohran Mamdani, incoming leadership may reimagine the city’s cultural agenda. On a regional level, we follow the pioneering costume exhibition by Cleo Parker Robinson Dance at Denver International Airport — a celebration of decades of creative work — and internationally, we cover a new report revealing post-pandemic shifts across UK theatres, as well as the opening night of Paddington: The Musical in London’s West End.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Broadway Wins Big at the Clio Awards, UK Looks to Ban Resellers

From award-winning Broadway marketing campaigns and fresh digital viewing options for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to updates on tax credits and Tony eligibility, the industry continues to adapt on multiple fronts. Regional and national stories examine how institutions are navigating political scrutiny and how artists across the country are sustaining their work amid financial pressures. Internationally, major regulatory changes in the U.K. signal further shifts in how audiences access live performance.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Leigh Silverman New President of SDCF, UK’s National Youth Theatre Expands Access Initiative

Poudre High School Theatre demonstrates how Stage Mag can be used by organizations of all shapes and sizes to build a fully interactive show program. In New York, the Performing Arts Library prepares a major Martha Graham exhibition, and Leigh Silverman steps into her new role as President of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. Regionally, IN Series appoints its first Executive Director and Dallas restores funding to Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Abroad, the National Youth Theatre expands its Assemble programme with a significant new grant.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Leadership Changes in Opera Large and Small

This week’s roundup highlights major leadership changes, funding shifts, and renewed investment in the performing arts. OPERA America has named Michael J. Bobbitt as its next President & CEO, while Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS announced $1.5 million in emergency food grants nationwide. In New York, The Joyce Theater Foundation received a landmark $15 million gift, and Broadway productions prepare to take the stage at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Regionally, Chicago’s cultural department faces a proposed budget reduction, Theatre Washington released a new industry impact report, and Houston Grand Opera appointed James Gaffigan as its next Music Director. Meanwhile, in the UK, opera and arts education take center stage with efforts to broaden access and strengthen creative learning.

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