A New Era for American Regional Theater: Major Leadership Shifts Across the Country

The American regional theater landscape is currently undergoing a significant period of transition. From Milwaukee to San Diego, several storied institutions have announced major leadership changes, signaling a season of renewal, strategic realignment, and new creative visions. These appointments, ranging from artistic directors to managing directors, reflect a broader movement within the industry to foster collaborative environments and deepen community engagement.

Milwaukee’s Renaissance Theaterworks Welcomes Emily Trask

Renaissance Theaterworks (RTW) has named Emily Trask as its new artistic director, effective July 13. Trask succeeds Suzan Fete, whose 33-year tenure was instrumental in establishing the organization as a leader in advancing women’s voices within the Milwaukee cultural landscape.

Trask arrives at RTW from Pacific Conservatory Theatre, where she served as associate artistic director and established the InterPlay Reading Series. A Wisconsin native, Trask’s professional roots are deeply embedded in the Milwaukee theater community, having worked with Renaissance Theaterworks, Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. In her new role, she will oversee the company’s artistic vision, production leadership, and new play development initiatives, such as the Br!NK New Play Festival.

San Diego’s The Old Globe Announces New Managing Director

The Old Globe in San Diego has announced the appointment of Trish Santini as its new managing director, effective July 1. Santini succeeds the retiring Timothy J. Shields and will partner with artistic director Barry Edelstein to lead the institution.

Santini brings an extensive background in arts leadership and production. She previously served as the inaugural executive director of Little Island in New York City, where she managed the launch of the $250 million public park and performance venue. Her experience also includes a nine-year tenure at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, where she held roles in external relations and senior production. Santini is also a co-founder of the Empire Training Center for the Arts (ETCA), a nonprofit focused on workforce development for performing arts professionals.

Karamu House Transition: Tony F. Sias to Lead Creative Vision

In a significant structural shift, Karamu House—the nation’s oldest Black producing theatre—has announced that current president and CEO Tony F. Sias will transition into the role of artistic director. This move allows Sias to return to the creative work that has defined his career. While Sias focuses on artistic leadership, Aseelah Shareef will serve as interim president and CEO as the board conducts a national search for a new permanent chief executive.

Sias, who has been with the organization for 10 years, aims to advance the theatrical qualities of Karamu House while creating new pipelines for emerging artists, playwrights, and technicians. Shareef, also a 10-year veteran of the theater, brings a background as a performer and educator to ensure stability during this transition period.

Trustus Theatre Appoints Kelsey Mesa

Trustus Theatre in Columbia, S.C., has selected Kelsey Mesa as its new executive artistic director. Mesa, who assumed the role on April 27, replaces Jessica Fichter, who departed to join the Nashville Repertory Theatre.

Mesa joins Trustus following a 17-year tenure at the Kennedy Center, where she managed the American College Theatre Festival. Her leadership at Trustus will prioritize the organization’s equity action plan, focusing on intentionality in relationships with artists and the broader Columbia community.

Native Performing Arts Network Selects First Artistic Director Fellow

The Native Performing Arts Network (NPAN) has chosen Kiana Younker as its inaugural artistic director fellow. A citizen of the Coquille Indian Tribe, Younker is a performer and arts management professional who will work closely with artistic director Jeanette Harrison.

The one-year fellowship is designed to support leadership development within the network. Younker’s recent work includes serving as the lead producer for a national panel of experts for the National Day of Theater Readings for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. Her upcoming responsibilities include serving as a line producer for NPAN’s co-production of Antíkoni and planning an Indigiqueer theatre festival for 2027.

Key Takeaways

• Renaissance Theaterworks: Emily Trask begins her tenure as artistic director on July 13, succeeding Suzan Fete.
• The Old Globe: Trish Santini will serve as managing director starting July 1, working alongside Barry Edelstein.
• Karamu House: Tony F. Sias transitions from CEO to artistic director; Aseelah Shareef takes over as interim CEO.
• Trustus Theatre: Kelsey Mesa has taken over as executive artistic director as of April 27.
• Native Performing Arts Network: Kiana Younker has been named the organization’s first artistic director fellow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the leadership changes at Karamu House?
The transition allows current President and CEO Tony F. Sias to move into the artistic director role to focus on creative work, while the organization begins a national search for a new chief executive.

Where did Kelsey Mesa work prior to joining Trustus Theatre?
Mesa spent 17 years at the Kennedy Center, where she managed the American College Theatre Festival.

Who is succeeding Timothy J. Shields at The Old Globe?
Trish Santini has been named the new managing director, effective July 1.