Meredith McDonough Appointed as New Artistic Director of Trinity Repertory Company

PROVIDENCE — A new artistic director has been appointed for a Tony Award-winning regional theater in Providence, Rhode Island. The appointee will assume the role in August, succeeding the previous artistic director, who served in the position for two decades. The appointee was selected following a national search process described as rigorous and thoughtful.

The appointee's career in theater began in childhood in southern New Jersey, where performances occurred in musicals at a local regional theater starting at a young age. Broadway show cast albums were also listened to with a parent. During junior year in high school, vocal surgery was undergone after developing nodes and cysts on the vocal cords, which was attributed to improper speaking habits.

Following the surgery, speech was not possible for nearly a year, during which focus was placed on observing and listening to others. This period was described as formative, emphasizing the importance of watching people's idiosyncrasies. After high school, as an only child of a lawyer father and homemaker mother, college was attended and a bachelor's degree in performance studies was earned.

At college, acting classes continued but there was a shift away from identifying as an actor due to concerns about the voice. Work was done on productions as a stage manager and director during college and in summer stock. A master of fine arts degree in directing was later obtained from a university.

The appointee began professional tenure at a theater in Kentucky as a directing intern under a director.

Service was then provided as associate director of the apprentice and intern program there for two years, which developed interest in mentorship and training in regional theater. The appointee returned to the theater as associate artistic director and produced a festival of new American plays, which showcases new works and emerging playwrights.

Throughout the career, productions have been directed.

Work has also been done as an educator and arts administrator, championing new plays and musicals across the country.

The appointment occurs amid the theater's renovation project, which includes building improvements.

The theater, known for developing new works, aims to maintain its community relationships and support for emerging artists under the new leadership. The appointee's understanding of theater operations from community engagement to new play development was noted. Enthusiasm for the role was expressed during a recent Zoom call.

It was described as a dream job and the alignment of timing with the theater's changes was highlighted.