Patricia McGregor has been named the new Artistic Director of the New York Theater Workshop.
She will succeed James C. Nicola, who has been at the helm of NYTW since 1988. Nicola, 71, is set to receive a special Tony Award at next month’s ceremony honoring his work at NYTW.
McGregor, 44, a NYTW Usual Suspect, is a freelance director who has worked around the country. Her credits include multiple world premiere productions, the 24 Hour Plays on Broadway and “Skeleton Crew” at the Geffen Theater. She was a Fellow at the Yale School of Drama.
While Nicola set programming through spring 2023 to allow time for the transition, McGregor will commence programming from fall 2023. She joins managing director Jeremy Blocker, who maintains his role.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be named the new Artistic Director of New York Theatre Workshop,” McGregor said in a statement. “The extraordinary staff, artists and audiences of the Workshop have long inspired me. The need for the arts to combat social isolation, and revive the body politic towards a more just world is acute. NYTW’s dedication to dynamic work that deepens empathy and sparks wonder is vital. I look forward to centering accessibility, visibility and innovation so that more people are welcomed into this transformative community. From the hands of my magnificent friend Jim Nicola, a mighty baton has been passed. I take this task seriously and with great joy in my heart. I am ready to run my leg of the race.”
Founded in 1979, NYTW is an Off-Broadway non-profit known for cultivating new works. Notable productions that started there and transferred to Broadway include “Rent,” “Slave Play,” “Once” and “Hadestown.”
