Leadership Changes: TFANA, Roundabout, NYU Tisch, Court Theatre
# Avery Willis Hoffman Named Next Artistic Director of Court Theater
Court Theatre, a renowned Chicago institution dedicated to reimagining classic theatre, has announced Avery Willis Hoffman as its next artistic director. Hoffman, a highly respected leader and producer with over two decades of experiance spanning theatre, opera, music, and interdisciplinary performance, will begin her tenure in fall 2025, working in a co-leadership structure with executive director Angel Ysaguirre.
## A Legacy of Visionary Leadership
Hoffman succeeds charles Newell, who served as Court Theatre’s artistic director for an remarkable three decades. Newell’s leadership established Court as a nationally recognized force in classical theatre, and Hoffman is poised to build upon that foundation with her own unique vision.Most recently, Hoffman served as the inaugural artistic director of the Brown Arts Institute at Brown University. in this role, she fostered collaboration across disciplines and championed innovative artistic projects. She is also the founder of Avery Productions, a company known for producing international tours and groundbreaking performances featuring acclaimed artists from diverse genres.
## Bridging the classical and the Contemporary
Hoffman’s career demonstrates a consistent commitment to connecting classical texts with contemporary relevance – a core tenet of Court Theatre’s mission. Her collaborative work extends beyond the performing arts, encompassing partnerships with leading institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, National Black Theatre, New York City Opera, and the Aspen Institute. This breadth of experience will undoubtedly enrich Court Theatre’s artistic programming and community engagement.
“Avery is a remarkably gifted and insightful leader,” said a representative from Court Theatre. “Her deep understanding of classical theatre, combined with her passion for innovation and inclusivity, makes her the ideal person to lead Court into its next chapter.”
## A Scholar and Artist
Hoffman’s academic background further underscores her unique qualifications. She holds a DPhil and MSt in classical languages and literature from the University of Oxford, where she was a Marshall Scholar, and a BA in classics and English from Stanford University. This scholarly foundation informs her artistic practice, allowing her to approach classic works with both intellectual rigor and creative imagination.
Hoffman’s appointment signals an exciting new era for Court Theatre, promising a continued dedication to artistic excellence, community engagement, and the power of theatre to illuminate the human experience.
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