This is an amazing second act!
Broadway’s Second Stage Theater just appointed Khady Kamara as their new executive director, Deadline reports.
Kamara comes to the New York company from Washington D.C.’s Arena Stage where she managed their $19 million income streams while overseeing building operations for their Mead Center campus, helping to double subscription base, developing strong engagement from patrons, and working on the world premiers of hit plays Dear Evan Hansen and The Originalist, both of which eventually premiered in New York, Second Stage producing Hansen for Off Broadway.
As executive director, the veteran theater professional will be focused on “strengthening community relations and developing new audiences with a focus on diversity and inclusion.” She will also continue in her other roles as Adjunct Faculty for the Arts Management Program at George Mason University, EDI Co-Chair of the League of Resident Theaters and a member of the Board of Directors of Theatre Washington.
“After a rigorous national search which began in February, I am thrilled to have Khady as our unanimous choice as Executive Director. We were impressed with her innovative and collaborative approach, impactful community engagement, and her leadership in EDI initiatives. Partnering with the Board as we embark on expanded strategic planning, Khady is the right person for Second Stage at this critical time for theater,” said Terry Lindsay, Second Stage Co-Chairman of the Board.
The theater has big plans for the 2020-2021 season, including a revival of Richard Greenberg’s Take Me Out featuring Jesse Williams as well as an untitled play by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, and new material by playwright Rajiv Joseph, best known for his work on Animals Out of Paper and Gruesome Playground.
Second Stage’s President and Artistic Director echoed Lindsay’s sentiments, saying, “Khady’s strong leadership abilities and her passionate commitment to the work of living American writers make her the ideal new Executive Director for Second Stage. It’s a challenging time for theater and I am impressed with Khady’s fierce determination to move the institution forward as we start producing again. She will be a powerful new voice in our Broadway and theatrical community and for the many artists who are part of the Second Stage family.”
“During these unprecedented times, we have a unique opportunity to rebuild and reimagine our next chapter while ensuring that Second Stage remains an integral part of the New York theater community at large. I’ve advocated for a focused lens on diversity, inclusion and social justice awareness throughout my 22-year career, and I look forward to being an authentic voice as part of a cultural institution that is actively working to uphold these values,” Kamara said.
Congratulations, Khady!!
Photo Courtesy of Second Stage Theater