Lear deBessonet Named Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater (LCT), one of the most prestigious nonprofit theaters in the United States, has announced that Lear deBessonet will become its next Artistic Director starting July 1, 2025. Alongside her, Bartlett Sher, currently the theater’s Resident Director, will step into the newly created role of Executive Producer. This leadership transition comes as the current Producing Artistic Director, André Bishop, plans to conclude his remarkable 33-year tenure by June 2025, coinciding with the theater’s 40th anniversary season.

Lear deBessonet, widely known for her visionary work in theater, will take the reins as Artistic Director. She is currently the Artistic Director of Encores! at New York City Center, where she has spearheaded several successful productions, including the recent revivals of Into the Woods and Once Upon a Mattress, which transferred to Broadway. DeBessonet has built her career on blending community engagement with high-quality productions, exemplified by her founding of the Public Works initiative at The Public Theater, which integrates diverse communities into theatrical productions.

Upon accepting the role, deBessonet remarked, “It is the deepest honor of my professional life to serve as the next Artistic Director of Lincoln Center Theater, following the astonishing legacy of André Bishop.” She emphasized her belief in the power of theater to build and restore communities and expressed excitement about shaping LCT’s future alongside Sher, whom she described as a dear friend and an artist whose work has profoundly influenced her.

Bartlett Sher, a Tony Award-winning director, will transition into the role of Executive Producer, a position that will allow him to focus on expanding LCT’s global reach and influence. Sher will also lead initiatives around fundraising and the theater’s strategic growth. A longtime collaborator with LCT, Sher’s celebrated work includes productions like South Pacific, The King and I, My Fair Lady, and Oslo, many of which earned him Tony nominations and accolades.

Sher expressed his enthusiasm about the new leadership structure and his continued collaboration with deBessonet. “Lincoln Center Theater is one of the most important theaters in America, and it has been led brilliantly by André Bishop. Lear deBessonet is an incredible artist and leader, and I am deeply honored to collaborate with her as she guides Lincoln Center Theater into a transformative future,” he said.

André Bishop’s contributions to LCT are nothing short of extraordinary. Having served as Artistic Director since 1992, Bishop has shaped LCT’s reputation as a cultural institution that champions both groundbreaking new works and ambitious revivals of classic productions. Under his leadership, LCT has earned numerous Tony Awards, including accolades for productions like The Coast of Utopia and South Pacific. Bishop’s final season at LCT will feature high-profile productions, including McNeal, starring Robert Downey Jr., and the revival of Floyd Collins.

Kewsong Lee, the Chair of LCT’s Board of Directors, lauded Bishop’s tenure, stating, “On behalf of the Board, let me thank from the bottom of our hearts our beloved André Bishop. He is truly special, and we are grateful for his artistry and leadership. LCT would not be where we are without him.”

As LCT moves into its next chapter, the new leadership duo of deBessonet and Sher promises to carry forward the theater’s legacy while steering it toward new and innovative directions. DeBessonet will lead the programming and season planning, as well as oversee day-to-day operations, while Sher will guide strategic partnerships and the theater’s brand expansion.

Together, they are tasked with defining LCT’s future vision and building on its impressive history. As deBessonet noted, “I am thrilled to lead this theater into its next chapter of great success, alongside such an extraordinary team and community.”

Back to Home