WASHINGTON, D.C.: Jojo Ruf has been named managing director of Theater J, one of the largest Jewish theatres in the country. She will start the job on Jan. 28.
Ruf comes from the Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown University, where she was managing director. Ruf will lead Theater J alongside artistic director Adam Immerwahr.
“I have long admired Theater J,” said Ruf in a statement, “and have been particularly inspired watching Adam hone Theater J’s mission over the past three years and carve out its vital space in the D.C. theatre landscape.” Ruf also praised the theatre as “not only a home for artistically rigorous programming, but…also the largest and most prominent Jewish theatre in the United States, and I look forward to utilizing my national and international theatre experience as Theater J continues its growth.”
During her time at the global performance lab, Ruf managed and produced 16 workshop or full-scaled productions and hosted convenings, symposiums, and residencies. She was previously general manager and associate executive director for the National New Play Network. She was also the founding executive and creative director of artist collective the Welders. In 2015 she served as the coordinating producer for the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. She is also on the advisory board for theatreWashington, the service organization for D.C. theatre artists.
“Jojo is a perfect fit for Theater J,” said Immerwahr in a statement. “She has an extraordinary depth of experience as a leader, and her expertise in international collaboration, fiscal management, and strategic planning will help take Theater J to the next level as we prepare for our most ambitious seasons yet. Theater J is honored to have attracted a candidate of this caliber, and I am personally thrilled to have such a brilliant colleague as a partner. With Jojo in this position, we know Theater J will continue to reach an ever-growing audience with soul-stirring and thought-provoking art.”
Ruf takes over for Rebecca Ende Lichtenberg, who left Theater J to be the managing director of the local Studio Theatre.
