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Barbara Whitman Headshot

Barbara Whitman

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BIO

Whitman is the daughter of investment advisor Martin J. Whitman, namesake of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. She has two brothers: James Whitman, a professor at Yale Law School, and Thomas Whitman, a professor of music at Swarthmore College. Her aunt is judge Phyllis W. Beck, who served on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and was married to the University of Pennsylvania psychiatrist Aaron Beck. Her cousin is psychologist Judith S. Beck, who co-founded the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.



Whitman attended the Dalton School and graduated from the Elizabeth Seeger School. She attended Bennington College and graduated from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 1988 and received an MFA from Columbia University School of the Arts in 2005.

Whitman is a former theater actress who made her Broadway debut producing A Raisin in the Sun (2004). She has won multiple Tony and Drama League Awards for producing Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Fun Home, Red, Angels in America, and The Humans.

In 2021, Whitman endowed the Barbara Whitman Award to support a female, trans or non-binary early-career stage director. She sits on the Board of Governors and the executive committee of the The Broadway League.

Photos

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Producer [Replacement]
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2018]
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[Broadway, 2017]
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[Broadway, 2017]
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[Broadway, 2017]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2016]
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[Broadway, 2016]
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[Broadway, 2016]
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[US Tour, 2015]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
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[Broadway, 2009]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
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[US Tour, 2006]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Producer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Play

Barbara WhitmanThe Humans


winner
Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Musical

Barbara Whitman, Fun Home


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Revival of a Musical

Barbara Whitman, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Musical

Barbara Whitman, Next to Normal

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Play

Barbara Whitman, 33 Variations

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Revival of a Play

Barbara Whitman, Mary Stuart

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Musical

Barbara Whitman, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Musical

Barbara Whitman, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Revival of a Play

Barbara Whitman, A Raisin in the Sun

Videos

News


Leigh Silverman Elected President Of The Stage Directors And Choreographers Foundation
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2025

Leigh Silverman has been elected President of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation. Silverman joins Ellenore Scott, Sharon Ott, and a slate of distinguished trustees in shaping SDCF’s next era as the organization approaches its 60th anniversary.
Photos: Tony-Winner Natalie Venetia Belcon, Michael Urie, Uzo Aduba and More Step Out for A TECTONIC CABARET
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 21, 2025

Tectonic Theater Project hosted its annual benefit gala, A Tectonic Cabaret, on October 20, 2025, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The event honored Tony-winning producer Barbara Whitman and Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Uzo Aduba, featuring performances by Hannah Gadsby, Beth Malone, Natalie Venetia Belcon, and more. Check out photos from the event.
Michael Urie, Beth Malone and More to Join Tectonic Theater Project Gala Honoring Barbara Whitman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 18, 2025

Tony Award-winning producer Barbara Whitman will be presented with the James C. Hormel Spirit of Tectonic Award at  Tectonic Theater Project's A Tectonic Cabaret, the organization’s annual benefit gala. Learn more!
New Musical CEILIDH Now in Performances in Maryland
by Emmy Rice - Sep 7, 2025

Producers Grove Entertainment (Beth Williams, Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman and Alan Cumming have announced performances have begun for the new musical Ceilidh [KAY-lee], based on one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved customs.
NEXT TO NORMAL Original Broadway Cast Recording 15th Anniversary Edition Out Now
by Stephi Wild - Jun 13, 2025

The 15th Anniversary Edition of the Next to Normal Original Broadway Cast Recording has been released in its first-ever vinyl pressing and on CD, available now.
Theater Mu Names Fran de Leon as Next Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025

Theater Mu has chosen Fran de Leon to be its next artistic director, effective as of June 2 with a full transition into the role by the end of 2025. Learn more about De Leon here!
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, NEXT TO NORMAL And More Set for 2025/26 Denver Center Theatre Company Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2025

Denver Center Theatre Company has announced the 2025/26 season for the regional producing theatre arm of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).
SDCF Reveals Recipient and Finalists for 2025 Barbara Whitman Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025

Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation revealed the recipient and four finalists for the 2025 Barbara Whitman Award. Learn more about the award here!
Tisch New Theatre To Present Tony Award-Winning Musical FUN HOME
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2025

NYU's Tisch New Theatre will present Fun Home Off-Broadway at the American Theatre of Actors from April 26th to May 4th, 2025. Welcome to the Fun Home, and be sure to wipe your shoes at the door.
CEILIDH: A NEW MUSICAL to Make North American Premiere in Baltimore This Fall
by Emmy Rice - Apr 4, 2025

Producers Grove Entertainment (Beth Williams, Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman and Alan Cumming have announced that the new musical Ceilidh, based on one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved customs, will make its North American premiere in Baltimore, MD this fall.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Barbara Whitman been nominated for?

Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Humans, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Fun Home, Best Revival of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Play (Tony Awards) for 33 Variations, Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for Mary Stuart, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun.

What awards has Barbara Whitman won?

Barbara Whitman has won several Tony Awards, including Best Play for The Humans, Best Musical for Fun Home, and Best Revival of a Musical for Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

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Videos