SDCF Appoints Rebecca Hewett As Executive Director

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the not-for-profit foundation of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), has appointed Rebecca Hewett as its Executive Director beginning May 13, 2019.

Ms. Hewett comes to SDCF from The Shubert Foundation (TSF), where she worked as Senior Program Associate since 2014. At TSF, she conducted site visits nationally, made funding recommendations, and represented TSF at national conferences and play festivals. Prior to her tenure at TSF, Hewett was a Program Specialist with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA). There, she oversaw a portfolio of 150 non-profit organizations across the five boroughs, conducted site visits, led funding panels, and served as the department's point person for CASA, an after-school arts education initiative. Hewett holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Theatre History and Criticism/Performance as Public Practice from University of Texas, Austin, where she also served as lecturer, and a B.A. in Theatre, with a Women's Studies minor, from The College of William and Mary. Additional professional experience includes Virginia Shakespeare Festival, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and Williamstown Theatre Festival.

As Executive Director of SDCF, Hewett will lead the Foundation's efforts to create access to the field for emerging directors and choreographers, connect artists, advance the craft of directing and choreography, and honor the theatrical legacy of these artists at every stage of their career. She will work under the leadership of the SDCF Board of Trustees, headed by President Sheldon Epps, Vice President/Secretary Mark Brokaw, and Treasurer Ethan McSweeny, as well as Trustees Linda Hartzell, Anne Kauffman, Mark Lamos, and Laura Penn.

SDCF Board President Sheldon Epps states, "The Foundation has experienced a profound period of success in all areas in the recent past. And there are many good things to come, I know. Given that, I am delighted to welcome Rebecca Hewett to SDCF to lead us in positively impacting the current and next generation of stage directors and choreographers. Her demonstrated commitment to the field combined with her connection to a diverse pipeline of emerging talent and extensive experience in philanthropy will help expand opportunities for many emerging artists."

"SDC offers essential support and protection to artists across the country; the SDCF complements that work with valuable professional development programs," states Ms. Hewett. "I am eager to start creating opportunities for a broad range of artists nationwide and thrilled at the prospect of working with the immensely talented SDC Membership. I am truly honored to do this work alongside Sheldon Epps and our generous trustees, and the incredible SDC staff, led by the phenomenal Laura Penn."

Founded in 1965, SDCF exists to foster, promote and develop the craft and creativity of stage directors and choreographers. SDCF's goals are to provide opportunities to practice the crafts of directing and choreography; to gather and disseminate craft and career information; to promote the profession to emerging talent; to provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge among directors and choreographers; to increase the awareness of the value of directors' and choreographers' work, and to convene around issues affecting theatre artists.

SDCF mentorship programs, community forums, and public events develop and promote the creativity and craft of directors and choreographers and foster a cross-generational, National Theatre community.

www.sdcfoundation.org.