Lear deBessonet
Latest News on Lear deBessonet:
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 21, 2026)
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 20, 2026)
Video: RAGTIME Stars Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More Perform at WNYC Event (Apr 17, 2026)
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 21, 2026)
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 20, 2026)
Video: RAGTIME Stars Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More Perform at WNYC Event (Apr 17, 2026)
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: Watch Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, & More Perform From RAGTIME at WNYC Event
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-17 16:02:37
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Perform 'Gettin' Ready Rag'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-03 11:33:52
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-02-16 14:10:05
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
News
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
Video: RAGTIME Stars Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz & More Perform at WNYC Event
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2026
The cast of Broadway's Ragtime visited WNYC on Friday for a special appearance as part of the Broadway On The Radio series. Watch the hour-long event, featuring performances from Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, Nichelle Lewis, Ben Levi Ross, and Shaina Taub.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2026
The cast of Broadway's Ragtime visited WNYC on Friday for a special appearance as part of the Broadway On The Radio series. Watch the hour-long event, featuring performances from Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Brandon Uranowitz, Nichelle Lewis, Ben Levi Ross, and Shaina Taub.
Photos: Michael Urie, Lilli Cooper, and More Attend THE FEAR OF 13 Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 16, 2026
The stars came out for opening night of The Fear of 13, including Michael Urie, Lilli Cooper, Common, Anna Wintour, and many more. Check out the photos from the red carpet here!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 16, 2026
The stars came out for opening night of The Fear of 13, including Michael Urie, Lilli Cooper, Common, Anna Wintour, and many more. Check out the photos from the red carpet here!
RAGTIME Cast Album Signing And SiriusXM Front Row Event Set For Vivian Beaumont Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 9, 2026
RAGTIME, SiriusXM’s On Broadway, and Concord Theatricals Recordings will present a SiriusXM Front Row event and cast album signing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center on Thursday, April 23.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 9, 2026
RAGTIME, SiriusXM’s On Broadway, and Concord Theatricals Recordings will present a SiriusXM Front Row event and cast album signing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center on Thursday, April 23.
Inside the Visionary Mind of Lear DeBessonet
by Charles Kirsch - Mar 27, 2026
Any theater lover should be well acquainted with the meteoric rise of Tony nominee Lear DeBessonet: from founding the Public Works program at the Public Theater to spearheading the Encores! series at New York City Center to her current role as artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater.
by Charles Kirsch - Mar 27, 2026
Any theater lover should be well acquainted with the meteoric rise of Tony nominee Lear DeBessonet: from founding the Public Works program at the Public Theater to spearheading the Encores! series at New York City Center to her current role as artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater.
CHESS, RAGTIME, and CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Join Lineup For WNYC’s BROADWAY ON THE RADIO Series
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 17, 2026
WNYC’s All Of It has announced the Spring 2026 lineup for its BROADWAY ON THE RADIO series, featuring CHESS, RAGTIME, and CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the live events will include cast performances and conversations with creative teams.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 17, 2026
WNYC’s All Of It has announced the Spring 2026 lineup for its BROADWAY ON THE RADIO series, featuring CHESS, RAGTIME, and CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL. Hosted by Alison Stewart, the live events will include cast performances and conversations with creative teams.
Allison Blackwell Shares Backstage Moments and Must-Haves at RAGTIME
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Allison Blackwell who is appearing in Ragtime on Broadway who took us backstage at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Allison Blackwell who is appearing in Ragtime on Broadway who took us backstage at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Lincoln Center Theater Will Honor Robert Downey Jr. And Susan Downey at Annual Spring Gala
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Lincoln Center Theater will honor Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr. and Emmy Award-winning Producer Susan Downey at their annual spring Gala on Monday, May 18 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2026
Lincoln Center Theater will honor Academy Award winner Robert Downey Jr. and Emmy Award-winning Producer Susan Downey at their annual spring Gala on Monday, May 18 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.
Video: Joshua Henry and RAGTIME Cast Perform 'Gettin' Ready Rag'
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2026
During Monday's special Broadway-themed episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, P!nk's daughter Willow went behind the scenes of Broadway's Ragtime to chat with the cast and crew about the production and share a musical number from the show. Check it out now.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2026
During Monday's special Broadway-themed episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, P!nk's daughter Willow went behind the scenes of Broadway's Ragtime to chat with the cast and crew about the production and share a musical number from the show. Check it out now.
Hot Tickets of the Week: WICKED, THE GREAT GATSBY, RAGTIME & More
by Team BWW - Mar 2, 2026
Ready to see your next Broadway show? Of course you are! Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week. Check out the shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to this week, starting March 2nd, 2026.
by Team BWW - Mar 2, 2026
Ready to see your next Broadway show? Of course you are! Let BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster be your guide to which plays and musicals are the most buzz-worthy this week. Check out the shows we recommend that you should snag tickets to this week, starting March 2nd, 2026.
Video: Joshua Henry Performs 'Make Them Hear You' From RAGTIME on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 16, 2026
Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry took over The View stage on Monday to perform a powerful rendition of Make Them Hear You from the musical revival of Ragtime. Check out his performance now.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 16, 2026
Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry took over The View stage on Monday to perform a powerful rendition of Make Them Hear You from the musical revival of Ragtime. Check out his performance now.
Broadway Cast of RAGTIME Set for Monday Performance on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
On Presidents Day, the cast of Broadway's Ragtime will take the stage on The View for a special performance from the hit revival. Tune in to watch the performance, airing Monday, February 16, at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT on ABC.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
On Presidents Day, the cast of Broadway's Ragtime will take the stage on The View for a special performance from the hit revival. Tune in to watch the performance, airing Monday, February 16, at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Joshua Henry to Record Acoustic Album Live at Lincoln Center; Attend For Free
by Michael Major - Feb 10, 2026
Joshua Henry is inviting a select amount of audience members to witness the recording of his new acoustic album. The Ragtime star took to Instagram to reveal that he will be releasing a new acoustic LP, recording it this month at Lincoln Center.
by Michael Major - Feb 10, 2026
Joshua Henry is inviting a select amount of audience members to witness the recording of his new acoustic album. The Ragtime star took to Instagram to reveal that he will be releasing a new acoustic LP, recording it this month at Lincoln Center.
OZ Arts Nashville to Host Southeastern Premiere of MAJOR by Ogemdi Ude
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 28, 2026
OZ Arts Nashville will present the Southeastern premiere of MAJOR, a majorette-inspired contemporary dance by choreographer Ogemdi Ude, featuring local TSU majorettes and a Grammy-winning drumline.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 28, 2026
OZ Arts Nashville will present the Southeastern premiere of MAJOR, a majorette-inspired contemporary dance by choreographer Ogemdi Ude, featuring local TSU majorettes and a Grammy-winning drumline.
Video: RAGTIME's Caissie Levy Performs ‘Back to Before’ on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2026
Caissie Levy, who is currently playing the role of 'Mother' in the Broadway revival of Ragtime, visited TODAY on Tuesday for a performance of 'Back to Before' as part of the Citi Concert Series. Check it out now!
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2026
Caissie Levy, who is currently playing the role of 'Mother' in the Broadway revival of Ragtime, visited TODAY on Tuesday for a performance of 'Back to Before' as part of the Citi Concert Series. Check it out now!
Video: RAGTIME Releases 2025 Broadway Cast Recording; Watch the Cast Perform 'Journey On'
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2026
The 2025 Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, is now available digitally! CD and vinyl releases will follow on February 6 and April 3, respectively. Listen to the album here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2026
The 2025 Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, is now available digitally! CD and vinyl releases will follow on February 6 and April 3, respectively. Listen to the album here!
Video: Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis Sing 'Wheels of a Dream' From RAGTIME
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2026
The new Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, will be released. Get a look inside the recording studio, with Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis singing 'Wheels of a Dream'!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2026
The new Broadway cast recording of Lincoln Center Theater’s revival of Ragtime, directed by Lear deBessonet, will be released. Get a look inside the recording studio, with Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis singing 'Wheels of a Dream'!
Photos: Inside the RAGTIME Cast Recording Listening Party
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 8, 2026
The Ragtime cast got a first listen to the forthcoming cast recording at a special listening party. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the special event here!
by Bruce Glikas - Jan 8, 2026
The Ragtime cast got a first listen to the forthcoming cast recording at a special listening party. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the special event here!
Industry Pro Newsletter: Broadway League Leadership Awards, ACTF Drops Affiliation with Kennedy Center
by Alex Freeman - Jan 5, 2026
Happy New Year! This week, we’re catching up on a few different stories that you might have missed while you were out for the holidays - including the ongoing tumult at the Kennedy Center, multiple Broadway box office records, and the controversial reopening of a theatre in Mariupol.
by Alex Freeman - Jan 5, 2026
Happy New Year! This week, we’re catching up on a few different stories that you might have missed while you were out for the holidays - including the ongoing tumult at the Kennedy Center, multiple Broadway box office records, and the controversial reopening of a theatre in Mariupol.
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 the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing from the Drama League Awards, as well as the award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical from the Drama League Awards for Into the Woods. Additionally, they received the Direction award from the Obie Awards for The Good Person of Szechuan.
Videos