Lear deBessonet
Latest News on Lear deBessonet:
SMU Meadows School of the Arts to Honor Brian Stokes Mitchell with 2026 Meadows Award (Nov 25, 2025)
RAGTIME 2025 Broadway Cast Recording Will Be Released in January (Nov 21, 2025)
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at WICKED: FOR GOOD New York Premiere (Nov 19, 2025)
SMU Meadows School of the Arts to Honor Brian Stokes Mitchell with 2026 Meadows Award (Nov 25, 2025)
RAGTIME 2025 Broadway Cast Recording Will Be Released in January (Nov 21, 2025)
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at WICKED: FOR GOOD New York Premiere (Nov 19, 2025)
BIO
Lear deBessonet is the Founder of Public Works and Resident Director at the Public Theater. For Public Works, she has directed pageant-style musical adaptations of The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, and The Odyssey at the Delacorte, each featuring two-hundred New Yorkers from all five boroughs.
Photos
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Productions
Writing
Conceiver
Awards and Nominations
winner
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Founders Award for Excellence in Directing
Lear deBessonet
winner
Drama League Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Lear DeBessonet, Into the Woods
Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Direction of a Musical
Lear deBessonet, Into the Woods
The Lortels - 2014 - Outstanding Director
Lear deBessonet, Good Person of Szechwan
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Lear deBessonet, Good Person of Szechwan
winner
Obie Awards - 2013 - Direction
Lear deBessonet, The Good Person Of Szechuan
Videos
Video: Inside Opening Night of RAGTIME with Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More
by Joey Mervis - 2025-10-17 13:55:04
Video: Joshua Henry & RAGTIME Cast Rehearse 'Gettin’ Ready Rag'
by Michael Major - 2025-09-19 10:52:52
Video: Watch the RAGTIME Cast Perform the Title Song at Lincoln Center
by Michael Major - 2025-05-28 10:45:40
Video: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS Stars J. Harrison Ghee, Cheyenne Jackson, and Nikki Renee Daniels Gear Up for City Center
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-01-17 18:52:38
VIDEO: Watch the First Day with The Encores! Orchestra for ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-12-23 14:01:59
Video: Cast of INTO THE WOODS Talks Opening Night in Los Angeles
by Alan Henry - 2023-07-03 11:01:07
Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for OLIVER! at New York City Center
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-05-02 16:00:19
Video: Denee Benton Gets Her Wish as INTO THE WOODS' New Cinderella
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-12-18 12:00:20
VIDEO: Gavin Creel Helps Make a Breast Cancer Survivor's Broadway Dreams Come True Onstage at INTO THE WOODS on TODAY
by Michael Major - 2022-10-27 11:36:49
VLOG: Go Backstage At INTO THE WOODS With Kennedy Kennedy Kanagawa - Episode 3
by Alan Henry - 2022-10-15 16:00:20
VIDEO: Watch Gavin Creel & Andy Karl Perform 'Agony' From INTO THE WOODS on TODAY
by Michael Major - 2022-10-06 11:28:13
VIDEO: Watch the Cast of INTO THE WOODS Perform on THE TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - 2022-10-06 09:55:16
Video: Watch New Highlights of Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus & More in INTO THE WOODS on Broadway
by Show Highlights - 2022-09-28 10:38:29
News
SMU Meadows School of the Arts to Honor Brian Stokes Mitchell with 2026 Meadows Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
SMU Meadows School of the Arts has revealed that the recipient of the 2026 Meadows Award is Brian Stokes Mitchell, known for his Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning performances.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025
SMU Meadows School of the Arts has revealed that the recipient of the 2026 Meadows Award is Brian Stokes Mitchell, known for his Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning performances.
RAGTIME 2025 Broadway Cast Recording Will Be Released in January
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025
The 2025 Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, will be released digitally on January 9, 2026.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025
The 2025 Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, will be released digitally on January 9, 2026.
Photos: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and More at WICKED: FOR GOOD New York Premiere
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 19, 2025
You can now check out photos from the red carpet of the Wicked: For Good New York City premiere, which streamed live, and marked the final stop of the press tour for the film.
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 19, 2025
You can now check out photos from the red carpet of the Wicked: For Good New York City premiere, which streamed live, and marked the final stop of the press tour for the film.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 7, 2025- RAGTIME Extends Broadway Run and More
by - Nov 7, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 7, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Nov 7, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 7, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
RAGTIME Extends on Broadway Due to Demand
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater’s 2025 revival of Ragtime, directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, has extended performances by popular demand through June 14, 2026.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 6, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater’s 2025 revival of Ragtime, directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, has extended performances by popular demand through June 14, 2026.
Photos: RAGTIME Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 20, 2025
The second Broadway revival of Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. In attendance were Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Hillary Clinton, and more! Check out the photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 20, 2025
The second Broadway revival of Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. In attendance were Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Hillary Clinton, and more! Check out the photos here!
Video: Inside Opening Night of RAGTIME with Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More
by Joey Mervis - Oct 17, 2025
There's new music playing on 65th Street. The second Broadway revival of Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Watch in this video as we go inside opening night with the whole company.
by Joey Mervis - Oct 17, 2025
There's new music playing on 65th Street. The second Broadway revival of Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Watch in this video as we go inside opening night with the whole company.
Photos: RAGTIME Opening Night Curtain Call
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 17, 2025
Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Check out photos from the opening night curtain call here and learn more about the production.
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 17, 2025
Ragtime is officially open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Check out photos from the opening night curtain call here and learn more about the production.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 17, 2025- RAGTIME Returns to Broadway and More
by - Oct 17, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 17, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 17, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 17, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review Roundup: RAGTIME Returns to Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 17, 2025
The curtain has risen on Ragtime, now running at Lincoln Center Theater on Broadway. Read all the reviews to see what the critics had to say about the new revival, directed by Lear deBessonet.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 17, 2025
The curtain has risen on Ragtime, now running at Lincoln Center Theater on Broadway. Read all the reviews to see what the critics had to say about the new revival, directed by Lear deBessonet.
Photos: Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & Joshua Henry in RAGTIME on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 16, 2025
Ragtime opens tonight, October 16, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater as Artistic Director Lear deBessonet’s first production of her inaugural season. Check out all new photos of the cast in action here!
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 16, 2025
Ragtime opens tonight, October 16, at the Vivian Beaumont Theater as Artistic Director Lear deBessonet’s first production of her inaugural season. Check out all new photos of the cast in action here!
Hot Tickets of the Week: ART, RAGTIME, and More
by Team BWW - Oct 13, 2025
Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting October 13, 2025. Check out five Broadway shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to right now!
by Team BWW - Oct 13, 2025
Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting October 13, 2025. Check out five Broadway shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to right now!
Hot Tickets of the Week: RAGTIME, THE OUTSIDERS and More
by Team BWW - Sep 29, 2025
Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting September 29, 2025. Check out five Broadway shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to right now!
by Team BWW - Sep 29, 2025
Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week, starting September 29, 2025. Check out five Broadway shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to right now!
Meet the Cast of RAGTIME, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025
Performances are now underway for Lincoln Center Theater's revival of Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Meet the cast of Ragtime here and learn all about the starry cast and talented ensemble's bio and credits!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 26, 2025
Performances are now underway for Lincoln Center Theater's revival of Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Meet the cast of Ragtime here and learn all about the starry cast and talented ensemble's bio and credits!
Lincoln Center Theater Dedicates 2025"2026 LCT3 Season To Longtime Board Member Leonard Tow
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 25, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has announced that the 2025–2026 LCT3 season will be dedicated to longtime board member Leonard Tow, whose leadership, generosity, and vision helped shape the institution.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 25, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has announced that the 2025–2026 LCT3 season will be dedicated to longtime board member Leonard Tow, whose leadership, generosity, and vision helped shape the institution.
Lincoln Center Theater Announces Digital Lottery for RAGTIME
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 25, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has announced the digital lottery policy for its upcoming revival of Ragtime. Find out how to purchase $49 tickets.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 25, 2025
Lincoln Center Theater has announced the digital lottery policy for its upcoming revival of Ragtime. Find out how to purchase $49 tickets.
For Shaina Taub & Ben Levi Ross RAGTIME Isn't Just a Musical, It's a Movement
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 19, 2025
Almost a year after its triumphant return to the stage at New York City Center, Ragtime is returning to Broadway. Shaina Taub and Ben Levi Ross have been along for the ride, playing real life activist 'Emma Goldman', and fictional anarchist 'Younger Brother' respectively. The duo took a break from rehearsals to check in with BroadwayWorld and tell us all about the strange, insistent music that will give us all something to think about in 2025.
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 19, 2025
Almost a year after its triumphant return to the stage at New York City Center, Ragtime is returning to Broadway. Shaina Taub and Ben Levi Ross have been along for the ride, playing real life activist 'Emma Goldman', and fictional anarchist 'Younger Brother' respectively. The duo took a break from rehearsals to check in with BroadwayWorld and tell us all about the strange, insistent music that will give us all something to think about in 2025.
Video: Joshua Henry & RAGTIME Cast Rehearse 'Gettin’ Ready Rag'
by Michael Major - Sep 19, 2025
Watch a first look video of the cast of Ragtime rehearsing the 'Gettin' Ready Rag,' led by Joshua Henry. The ensemble is performing choreography by Ellenore Scott.
by Michael Major - Sep 19, 2025
Watch a first look video of the cast of Ragtime rehearsing the 'Gettin' Ready Rag,' led by Joshua Henry. The ensemble is performing choreography by Ellenore Scott.
Video: RAGTIME Star Nichelle Lewis Performs 'Your Daddy’s Son'
by Emmy Rice - Sep 17, 2025
In a newly released rehearsal clip, Nichelle Lewis offers a stirring rendition of “Your Daddy’s Son” as she prepares to star in Lincoln Center Theater’s upcoming Broadway revival of Ragtime. Watch the video!
by Emmy Rice - Sep 17, 2025
In a newly released rehearsal clip, Nichelle Lewis offers a stirring rendition of “Your Daddy’s Son” as she prepares to star in Lincoln Center Theater’s upcoming Broadway revival of Ragtime. Watch the video!
Video: Inside Lear deBessonet’s Commute to RAGTIME’s First Rehearsal at LCT
by Emmy Rice - Sep 13, 2025
On her morning commute, moving between home life and the world she is creating on stage, Lear deBessonet, the new Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater, heads to the first rehearsal for her new production of Ragtime. See the video here!
by Emmy Rice - Sep 13, 2025
On her morning commute, moving between home life and the world she is creating on stage, Lear deBessonet, the new Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater, heads to the first rehearsal for her new production of Ragtime. See the video here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Lear deBessonet written?
Lear deBessonet has written 1 shows including transFigures (Conceiver).
What awards has Lear deBessonet been nominated for?
Founders Award for Excellence in Directing (Drama League Awards) for , Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for Good Person of Szechwan, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Good Person of Szechwan and Direction (Obie Awards) for The Good Person Of Szechuan.
What awards has Lear deBessonet won?
Lear deBessonet has won several prestigious awards, including the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards. She also received the Outstanding Direction of a Musical award from the Drama League Awards for Into the Woods and earned the Direction award from the Obie Awards for The Good Person of Szechuan.
Videos