Industry Pro Newsletter: New Leadership Across Institutions, SDC/Off-Broadway Announce a New Contract
MTC, Keen Company, and others announce new artistic and managing directors. Learn about a significant SDC/Off-Broadway League contract.
By: Alex Freeman Jun. 30, 2025
The vibrant and contentious spirit of the arts industry was on display this week. Broadway artists protested against a proposed Times Square Casino, while other groups rallied in support. Democratic senators staged a Pride event at the Kennedy Center amidst the Trump Administrations takeover of the facility. Amidst these battles, there's also significant movement within the organizations themselves, with a wave of new leadership stepping into prominent roles across New York and regional theaters, signalling change as the only constant in the industry.
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Employment Opportunity
Executive Director - Southeastern Theatre Conference
The Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), the largest network of theatre practitioners in the United States, seeks a service-oriented and inclusive leader to serve as its Executive Director. An arts professional that is both a strategic thinker and a collaborative doer will thrive at SETC, as will those with experience connecting and serving communities, overseeing large-scale events or conventions, leading teams of geographically-distributed staff and volunteers, and growing revenue streams. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and is the chief executive of SETC.
Industry Trends
Democratic Senators to Host Pride Event at Kennedy Center in Protest of Trump Takeover
Democratic Senators are hosting a Pride event called "Love Is Love" at the Kennedy Center. This concert serves as a protest against President Trump's recent actions, which involved removing Democratic appointees and installing his own allies. Senator John Hickenlooper leads the effort, utilizing congressional privilege to secure the venue. Jeffrey Seller, producer of Hamilton, organized the concert as a "political act" to "reoccupy the Kennedy Center."
Broadway/New York
Broadway Community and Caesars Clash Over Proposed Times Square Casino
The Broadway community is in a strong dispute with Caesars Entertainment regarding a proposed casino in Times Square. Opponents, including various organizations and local residents, argue the casino would negatively impact the cultural and residential character of the area. They assert that Broadway's existing success proves a casino is unnecessary for the district's recovery. Caesars, however, promotes the project by highlighting substantial community benefits, including over $250 million for local businesses and 9,000 union jobs, and has garnered support from many local groups.
Broadway Grosses Analysis: June 2025
Ben Waterhouse looks at the June Box Office reports on Broadway - digging into which shows saw post-Tony bumps. This was the strongest opening month of the new Broadway season with three of the four weeks exceeding a $40 million gross. However, with some limited runs coming to an end as well as a few other closing notices typical of the post-Tony period.
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and Off-Broadway League Reach Agreement on New Contract
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and the Off-Broadway League have successfully reached a new four-year contract agreement. This new contract, effective July 1, 2025, includes recognition for associate directors and choreographers working on commercial Off-Broadway productions. Furthermore, the agreement features wage and benefit increases for members. It also incorporates provisions addressing non-discrimination, anti-harassment, expanded terms for electronic capture of productions, and new compensation structures for co-directors and co-choreographers.
Manhattan Theater Club Artistic Director Lynne Meadow to Step Down
Lynne Meadow, the Artistic Director of Manhattan Theater Club (MTC) for 53 years, will be transitioning from her role. She will assume a new position as Artistic Advisor for the company. Under Meadow’s leadership, MTC has premiered over 600 productions, receiving 7 Pulitzer Prizes and 31 Tony Awards. The Board of Directors has initiated a search for her successor, who will collaborate with Executive Director Chris Jennings.
Keen Company Reveals New Leadership Roles for Upcoming 26th Season
Keen Company has announced a new dual leadership model for its upcoming 26th season. Kelly Kerwin will serve as Artistic Director, and Annie Middleton will be the Producing Director, operating as co-leaders. They succeed Jonathan Silverstein, who is stepping down as Artistic Director on June 30, 2025, after 12 years. The new co-leaders officially begin their tenure on July 1, 2025, following a nationwide search.
Cherry Lane Theatre Will Reopen With a New Dining Experience
The historic Cherry Lane Theatre, acquired by film studio A24 in 2023 for $10 million, is set to reopen with a new dining experience. The venue will feature a lobby restaurant and bar, managed by the team behind acclaimed New York City establishments Frenchette, Le Rock, and Le Veau D'Or. Plans for the new dining concept are currently underway, with a fall opening anticipated. The theater, established in 1923, is known for its Off-Broadway productions and the Mentor Project.
Regional
Javier Dubon Appointed Interim Executive Director of Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Javier Dubon has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), effective June 23. Dubon previously served as OSF's Director of Marketing & Sales, where he played a key role in rebuilding audience trust and managing the Festival's public image. He will continue to lead marketing, sales, and communications while taking on broader responsibilities in operations, finance, and human resources.
Bag&Baggage Productions Reveals New Leadership
Bag&Baggage Productions has announced the formation of an Artistic Leadership Committee to guide the company's artistic direction. This committee was established following the departure of former Producing Artistic Director Nik Whitcomb. The committee, chaired by Bag&Baggage founder Scott Palmer, includes Board Chair Bianca McCarthy, Company Manager Ephriam Harnsberger, and Resident Artist Signe Larsen. This team will provide immediate artistic guidance and make key programming decisions.
Alley Theatre Names Jennifer Bielstein as New Managing Director
Alley Theatre has appointed Jennifer Bielstein as its new Managing Director, effective October 20, 2025. Bielstein brings extensive experience to the role, previously serving as the Executive Director of The Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Her appointment follows a comprehensive national search.
Alliance Theatre Names Brandon Kahn as New Managing Director
The Alliance Theatre has selected Brandon Kahn as its new Managing Director, effective August 1, 2025. Kahn brings over two decades of theater management experience to this role, having previously served as General Manager of Alley Theatre since 2018. He was instrumental in developing world premiere works that transferred to Broadway and beyond. Kahn succeeds Mike Schleifer, who announced his departure in March.
International
SMH: 'A real shock': Alarm as NSW arts agency slashed by 25 per cent
The New South Wales arts agency, Create NSW, is facing a 25 percent budget cut, causing significant alarm within the arts sector. The Minns government states that multi-million dollar savings from this reduction will be reinvested. The aim of this reinvestment is to help the sector reach new audiences. This decision has been described as a "real shock" to the arts community.
InDaily SA: Adelaide Cabaret Festival crowns next artistic director
Reuben Kaye, a drag-inspired singer and comedian, has been named the next artistic director of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival for 2026. Outgoing director Virginia Gay announced the news at the festival's 25th-anniversary party. Kaye expressed his excitement to lead the festival, which he credits with playing a formative role in his own career. He promises to lead a "delicious revolution" for the festival.
Missed our last few newsletters?
June 23, 2025 - New Leadership at the Off-Broadway League, and an Inside Look at Rachel Zegler in Evita in London
As summer officially arrives, we bring you the latest happenings from the world of theater, highlighting both new beginnings and ongoing developments. This edition covers exciting new leadership appointments Off-Broadway and in regional companies, a look at an ongoing legal battle in the New York theater scene, and a viral international performance. Plus, we've curated the perfect summer reading list and a sun-soaked playlist to get you in the seasonal spirit. Dive in for all the details!
This week, we see the industry grappling with significant shifts, from federal arts funding reallocations and the landmark resolution of a major industry strike, to the vibrant celebration of emerging talent at the Jimmy Awards and the vital community outreach of The Public Theater's Mobile Unit. Meanwhile, regional and international news highlights both leadership changes and the global impact of successful productions, all against a backdrop of evolving social and political landscapes that continue to shape the performing arts
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.
BroadwayWorld Resources
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