Deborah Rutter

Trump Floats Renaming of Kennedy Center During Oval Office Remarks
by Sidney Paterra - Aug 22, 2025

In his latest round of Oval Office comments, President Donald Trump suggested that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts might soon be renamed after him, telling reporters that “maybe in a week or so” the change could happen.

Following Trump Takeover Kennedy Center Subscription Sales Drop 36%
by Joshua Wright - Jun 3, 2025

Kennedy Center subscription sales fall 36% compared to 2023, with theater revenue dropping 82%. The decline follows President Donald Trump’s appointment as board chair and Richard Grenell as president.

Industry Pro Newsletter: ART/NY Looks at Compensation Trends in the Off-Broadway Space
by Alex Freeman - May 27, 2025

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.

Yo-Yo Ma & More To Skip Kennedy Center Following Washington Performing Arts Exit This Season
by Joshua Wright - May 22, 2025

Washington Performing Arts will not use the Kennedy Center for its 2025-2026 season. Instead, major artists including Yo-Yo Ma, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Midori will perform at alternate venues like Strathmore and Sixth & I. The decision follows recent shifts in Kennedy Center leadership and programming.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 21, 2025
by - May 21, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 21, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Deborah Rutter Releases Statement in Response to Trump Kennedy Center Allegations
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2025

Ousted Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter released statement in response to allegations by members of the Trump administration regarding the financial health and past stewardship of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

More Staff Dismissals At Kennedy Center As Trump Takeover Continues
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 18, 2025

At least six staffers at the Kennedy Center were dismissed Friday. Roughly 20 employees have now been let go, with the latest layoffs affecting teams in government relations, marketing, social media, and rentals.

Trump Floats Hosting Ceremony and Choosing Honorees At First Kennedy Center Meeting
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 18, 2025

President Donald Trump visited the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, presiding over his first board meeting since becoming chairman.

Video: Vice President J.D. Vance Booed Upon Arrival at the Kennedy Center
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 14, 2025

The backlash against the Trump administration's takeover of the Kennedy Center continued this evening, when Vice President J.D. Vance was booed upon his entrance to national arts institution. Watch the video.

Curtains Fall at the Kennedy Center: What Is Trump Doing and Why?
by Rachel Schmaier - Mar 12, 2025

The recent upheaval at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, following President Donald Trump's self-appointment as chairman, has sent shockwaves through the arts community. This unprecedented move has led to significant administrative changes, program cancellations, and a broader debate about the intersection of politics and cultural institutions.

Fox News Personalities Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo Appointed to Kennedy Center Board
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 8, 2025

Donald Trump has appointed two Fox News personalities, Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo, to the board of the Kennedy Center.

Kennedy Center Posts Statement On Program Cancellations Amid 'Misinformation' Concerns
by Joshua Wright - Mar 7, 2025

The Kennedy Center has issued a statement from Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi detailing program cancellations over the last six months. This follows a series of cancellations at the venue, most recently for the upcoming tour stop of Hamilton.

Video: THE LATE SHOW Spoofs 'Trump Kennedy Center' Programming
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

Following the announcement of Hamilton's run at the Kennedy Center being cancelled, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert detailed what shows at the 'Trump Kennedy Center' might look like. Check out the video here!

HAMILTON Withdraws from Kennedy Center Amidst Controversial Trump Leadership
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2025

Hamilton has cancelled its Kennedy Center Engagement due to Trump's takeover of the institution. Learn more about Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center here.

J6, Choir of Men Imprisoned for Jan 6th Involvement, to Perform at the Kennedy Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2025

J6 Prison Choir, which is made up of men previously imprisoned for being involved in the January 6th United States Capitol attack, will perform at the Kennedy Center. Learn more.

400+ Artists Sign Letter Asking NEA to Reverse 'Prejudicial Changes' to Grant Restrictions
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 18, 2025

463 artists have signed a letter to the National Endowment for the Arts asking them to roll back the new measures. Signees reportedly include Pulitzer-winning playwrights Lynn Nottage, Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Paula Vogel. Read the letter in full here.

Industry Pro Newsletter: A Shift in NEA Grants, and the Latest on the Kennedy Center Situation
by Alex Freeman - Feb 18, 2025

This week’s newsletter highlights a range of developments in the theater world, from national funding priorities to local artistic leadership changes and discussions surrounding accessibility.  We'll explore the NEA's focus on celebrating America's history through its 2026 grants, celebrate the artistry of makeup and hair designers at the MUAHS Awards, and examine leadership transitions at the Kennedy Center.  Additionally, we'll spotlight new artistic directors at regional theaters and share Sir Tim Rice's advocacy for increased surtitles in productions, reflecting a broader conversation about making theater more inclusive and engaging for all.

Dancers to Protest Trump Takeover Outside the Kennedy Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2025

BroadwayWorld previously reported that President Trump was elected as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center. Dancers are now protesting Trump's involvement and the  changes at the Kennedy Center. Learn more.

Deborah Rutter Speaks Out Following Kennedy Center Firing
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 16, 2025

Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter was fired as a part of Trump's overhaul of the national cultural institution. Soon after, several high-profile figures resigned from their roles within the Kennedy Center, including Board Treasurer Shonda Rhimes, National Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor Ben Folds, and Artistic Advisor-at-Large Renée Fleming.

Kennedy Center Removes LGBTQ+ Pride Concert Following Trump Takeover
by Joshua Wright - Feb 14, 2025

Amidst administrative shifts, the Kennedy Center has deleted the National Symphony Orchestra's WorldPride 2025 concert from its listings, raising concerns about the impact of the Trump administration on LGBTQ+ cultural events.