The American theatre landscape is undergoing a period of significant leadership transitions, with several prominent organizations announcing new artistic and executive directors in recent weeks. These changes signal a wave of renewal and adaptation across the country, from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast and California.
Milagro Theatre Embraces New Interim Leadership
In Portland, Oregon, Milagro has appointed Maya Malan-Gonzalez as its interim artistic director, effective January 1st. Malan-Gonzalez, a performer, playwright, and teatrista whose work centers Latine culture and women’s voices, steps into the role bridging a leadership gap as the theatre embarks on a nationwide search for a permanent artistic leader. A lifelong member of Milagro, she also currently serves as the theatre’s board president.
Malan-Gonzalez’s connection to Milagro runs deep; she is the daughter of co-founders Dañel Malán-González and José Eduardo González y Salazar. She first graced the Milagro stage at the age of six and has since appeared in 20 productions. Her own plays – Blast Off, Huelga, A Xmas Cuento Remix, and Worry Dolls – have been commissioned and produced by the theatre. Beyond Milagro, Malan-Gonzalez has performed across the U.S. And globally, with credits including Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Seattle Rep, and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She also has screen and voiceover work, including Apple TV’s Lessons in Chemistry and Audible’s Women of Fire.
The leadership shift at Milagro comes as Dañel Malán-González assumes the role of executive artistic director, while José Eduardo González y Salazar transitions into the role of chief financial officer as he begins his retirement.
Everyman Theatre Welcomes Brandon Weinbrenner
Moving east to Baltimore, Everyman Theatre has named Brandon Weinbrenner as its next artistic director. Weinbrenner, currently associate artistic director at the Alley Theatre in Houston, will take over from founding artistic director Vincent M. Lancisi, who is retiring after 35 years at the end of the 2025-26 season. Weinbrenner will officially assume his new role in July.
At the Alley Theatre, Weinbrenner directed plays that achieved both box office success and critical acclaim. He was also instrumental in founding the Alley’s All New Festival and served as a directing fellow at Berkeley Rep’s the Ground Floor. He also spearheaded the creation of the University of Houston/Alley Theatre MFA in Acting program. Weinbrenner has expressed a commitment to upholding Everyman’s tradition of producing theatre with local actors and artisans, strengthening community ties and providing employment opportunities. He will be partnering with Everyman’s managing director, Marissa LaRose, in his new role.
HERE Arts Center Navigates Leadership Transition
In New York City, HERE Arts Center is adjusting its co-leadership structure with the departure of Lauren Miller, who will be leaving at the end of January to pursue a career in political organizing. Miller, who joined a cohort of four leaders in 2024, cited a growing urgency to respond to the political landscape and the needs of immigrants in the surrounding neighborhoods as her motivation for the change.
Jesse Cameron Alick, Annalisa Dias, and Lanxing Fu will continue to serve as co-directors of HERE Arts Center, maintaining the organization’s leadership continuity.
Laguna Playhouse Appoints Adele Adkins as Managing Director
On the West Coast, Laguna Playhouse has announced the appointment of Adele Adkins as its new managing director. Adkins brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit theatre management and programming to the role. Most recently, she served as managing director of Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania, where she focused on expanding revenue, increasing subscriber growth, and promoting equity, accessibility, and community engagement.
Adkins’s career also includes leadership positions at the Clark State Performing Arts Center in Ohio and the Collins Center for the Arts at the University of Maine. A Juilliard-trained cellist, she brings a lifelong dedication to performance and arts leadership to Laguna Playhouse. She will also be involved in shaping the theatre’s future programming strategy, balancing artistic excellence with financial sustainability.
These leadership changes across the American theatre landscape reflect a dynamic period of growth and adaptation, as organizations navigate evolving audience expectations and a renewed focus on community engagement.
