City Center in New York Appoints New VP & Artistic Director of Musical Theater
New York City Center has announced the appointment of Jenny Gersten as its new Vice President & Artistic Director, Musical Theater, a newly created role that will oversee all musical theater programming and production at the institution. Gersten, who has been serving as Producer of Musical Theater at City Center for the past five years, will now take the artistic helm of the renowned Encores! series and Annual Gala Productions.
A lifelong New Yorker and a dedicated advocate for the performing arts, Gersten brings an extensive background in theatrical leadership. Her impressive career includes serving as Artistic Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, producing at The Public Theater, and developing shows both on and Off-Broadway. Her artistic vision, industry experience, and deep community ties make her an ideal leader to shape the future of musical theater at City Center.
In her new role, Gersten will lead the Encores! artistic team, working alongside Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Producing Creative Director Clint Ramos. She steps into this position following the previously announced departure of Artistic Director Lear deBessonet at the end of the season.
Beyond musical theater, Gersten will collaborate with Stanford Makishi, VP & Artistic Director, Dance, and Tia Powell Harris, VP, Education & Community Engagement, to further integrate musical theater with City Center’s dance, education, and community programming. This initiative reflects City Center’s continued commitment to expanding access and fostering artistic innovation across disciplines.
With Gersten at the artistic helm, City Center enters an exciting new chapter, continuing to present bold, dynamic, and diverse musical theater productions that captivate audiences and honor the rich legacy of the Encores! series.
City Center Looks Ahead
As the institution embraces this transition, City Center’s leadership remains committed to delivering exceptional performances and expanding opportunities for New Yorkers to engage with world-class theater.
Stay tuned for upcoming productions under Gersten’s leadership, as she and the City Center team shape an exciting, entertaining, and impactful future for musical theater.
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