WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) has announced that Angela Lee Gieras will be the company’s new executive director. Gieras comes from Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep), where she has served as executive director since 2013. She will join STC on Sept. 13, and lead the Tony-winning theatre alongside artistic director Simon Godwin. Gieras replaces interim executive director Susie Medak, who stepped in after the departure of longtime leader Chris Jennings in 2023 and continued in the post after the short-lived tenure of a previously named replacement, Rebecca Ende Lichtenberg, who left the post after just a month earlier this year.
“Angela comes to STC with an extensive background in arts leadership and fiscal responsibility,” said Anita Antenucci, chair of STC’s board of directors, in a statement. “We have been very impressed with her track record of theatre management and supporting the development of talent and organizational strength across numerous arts organizations. We are excited to add her skilled leadership, in partnership with Simon Godwin, to carry on STC’s mission and ambition.”
“I am delighted that Angela is coming to Washington to help lead STC,” said Godwin in a statement. “Her long work alongside KCRep artistic director Stuart Carden is an incredible model of co-leadership and successful guidance. I look forward to working side by side for the next stage of STC’s growth.”
As KCRep’s Executive Director for 11 years, Ms. Gieras partnered with artistic leadership overseeing several critical institutional successes, including navigating through the pandemic, delivering break-even or better financial results, growing single tickets and fundraising; guiding the company through a successful campaign and renovation of its landmark Spencer Theatre; rebranding the organization; crafting a five-year $5 million campaign that increased investment in audiences, new works, and education; launching a new-works festival and free community tour; and increasing operational fundraising by 70 percent and setting numerous single ticket sales records.
Dedicated to exploring and expanding best practices in nonprofit management and leadership, Gieras founded Inspired Arts Management, LLC, and launched a study of co-leadership in theatres nationwide. She has consulted or worked with many regional theatres, including American Conservatory Theater, Arena Stage, Dallas Theater Center, the Guthrie, Portland Center Stage, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. She serves on the board and as treasurer of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the theatre service organization and the publisher of American Theatre, and is a past board member and co-chair of the nominating and EDI committee of League of Resident Theatres (LORT).
“I am inspired and humbled to join Shakespeare Theatre Company and partner with Simon Godwin as executive director,” said Gieras in a statement. “Simon’s audacious vision, and his talent at translating a classic for a modern audience through his direction, captivated me. As an expert in leadership development, fundraising, and financial management, I look forward to collaborating with STC’s passionate and esteemed board and staff to continue to deepen the impact of classic and contemporary plays.”
In addition to assuming the fiscal responsibility for STC, Ms. Gieras will oversee the theatre’s continued commitment to learning and community engagement. The Arts Consulting Group led the expansive nationwide search for STC’s executive director.
Founded in 1986, Shakespeare Theatre Company aims to create world-class Shakespeare productions and innovative contemporary work, addressing the most urgent questions with scale and audacity. As of 2023, the theatre’s budget was around $19.2 million.
