Court Theater Ushers in a New Era with Avery Willis Hoffman as Artistic Director
Court Theatre, a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene, has announced a pivotal leadership change. Avery Willis Hoffman will assume the role of artistic director in fall 2025,embarking on a co-leadership journey alongside executive director Angel Ysaguirre. This marks a meaningful transition following the remarkable three-decade tenure of Charles Newell.
A Visionary Leader Takes the Helm
hoffman brings over two decades of experiance to Court Theatre, encompassing theatre, opera, music, and interdisciplinary performance. She is recognized as a visionary leader and producer with a proven track record of innovative work. Most recently, she served as the inaugural artistic director of the Brown Arts Institute at Brown University.
Furthermore, Hoffman founded Avery Productions, a company celebrated for producing international tours and groundbreaking performances. Her collaborative spirit extends to partnerships with prestigious institutions including:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Studio Museum in Harlem
National Black Theatre
New York City Opera
* The Aspen Institute
Bridging the Classical and the Contemporary
Hoffman’s unique background seamlessly blends scholarly rigor with artistic innovation.She holds a DPhil and MSt in classical languages and literature from the University of Oxford, where she was a Marshall Scholar. Additionally, she earned a BA in classics and English from Stanford University.
Her work consistently demonstrates a talent for connecting classical texts with contemporary relevance. this approach aligns perfectly with Court Theatre’s core mission: reimagining classic theatre for modern audiences. You can expect a dynamic evolution of Court’s programming under her direction.
A Smooth Transition and a Bright future
The transition will be carefully managed, with Hoffman joining Court in fall 2025. This allows for a collaborative period with Charles Newell, ensuring a seamless handover of artistic leadership.
This appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Court Theatre. Hoffman’s diverse experience and commitment to innovative, relevant theatre promise a bright future for this beloved Chicago institution.If you are passionate about classic theatre reimagined for today,Court Theatre under Avery Willis Hoffman’s leadership is a space to watch.
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