D.C. ArtsWatch
By • June 12, 2024 0 99
New Artistic Leadership at Imagination Stage
Courtesy Imagination Stage.
Joanne Seelig Lamparter is the new chief artistic programming officer for Imagination Stage, succeeding Janet Stanford, the venue’s founding artistic director, who retired on May 31. “As a former student, educator and administrator of Imagination Stage, I am humbled and excited to carry forward the enormous legacy of founder Bonnie Fogel and Founding Artistic Director Janet Stanford,” said Seelig Lamparter in a press release.
Bucoy-Calavan Is Next Artistic Director at Choral Arts
Photo by Denise Apgar Photography. Courtesy Choral Arts.
The Choral Arts Society of Washington has announced conductor and clinician Marie Bucoy-Calavan as its next artistic director. Bucoy-Calavan, most recently director of choral studies at the University of Akron, will join the organization on Sept. 1. She is currently secretary of Chorus America’s national board of directors. Bucoy-Calavan, who earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, led the “O Night Divine!” performance by Choral Arts last December.
Washington Conservatory of Music Head Departs
Courtesy Washington Conservatory of Music.
Washington Conservatory of Music Executive and Artistic Director Kathy Judd has left her post as of May 31. Judd, who spent over 25 years in the position, helped create the Bach Room Concert Series in Glen Echo Park’s Ballroom Back Room and created the Tapestry Music Outreach Project. “I am proud of the accomplishments of WCM over these years, especially the relationships built and lives touched by music,” Judd said in a press release.
Hollander Is New Chair at National Portrait Gallery
Courtesy GTCR.
The National Portrait Gallery is welcoming Michael S. Hollander, managing director of private equity firm GTCR, as the new chair of the organization’s 25-person commission. Hollander succeeds Joseph P. Ujobai, chair since November of 2016, who will remain a commissioner through April 2026. Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet stated in a press release: “Mike’s business acumen, combined with his interest in history and portraiture, will be instrumental in guiding the institution into its next chapter.”
Artistic Director Leaves the Puppet Co.
Courtesy the Puppet Co.
Elizabeth Dapo has left the Puppet Co. after four years as its artistic director. During her time at the organization, she produced over two dozen shows, including the fan favorite “Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular.” Dapo saw the company through transitions including the founders’ retirement and the pandemic. For the rest of the season, the Puppet Co., now working on a plan for future leadership, will collaborate with guest directors.
National Theatre Foundation’s New CEO Is Jolly
Courtesy National Theatre Foundation.
Beryl Jolly has been named the new CEO of the National Theatre Foundation, which oversees the preservation and operations of the National Theatre in partnership with Broadway’s Nederlander Organization. Jolly will begin her role on June 15. Executive director of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, for over 14 years, she also held development positions at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Lynett Double-Bill at Universalist National Memorial Church
Courtesy Rachel Lynett.
Now through June 30, Voices Festival Productions will present a double-bill by Yale Drama Series Prize-winner Rachel Lynett at the Universalist National Memorial Church. The production offers two alternate visions of politics, one with a comedic touch and another with a more critical eye. “Letters to Kamala” is set before election night in 2020, as the spirits of three women from American history visit vice president-to-be Kamala Harris. “Dandelion Peace” tells an allegorical tale of hot tempers at a community garden.
Karim-Cooper Named Folger Shakespeare Library Director
Courtesy Folger Shakespeare Library.
After a year-long search, Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper has been named the new director of the Folger Shakespeare Library, succeeding Dr. Michael Witmore. Karim-Cooper, who will begin her duties in October, currently serves on the executive leadership team at Shakespeare’s Globe in London as director of education. The Folger’s grand reopening after a major renovation and expansion will take place over the weekend of June 21-23.
New Executive Director at George Washington Presidential Library
Courtesy Lyndsay Chervinsky.
The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association announced the appointment of Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky as executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library. Chervinsky will begin her new role on July 22. “We are pleased to have a historian of Dr. Chervinsky’s stature at the helm,” said Margaret Nichols, 23rd Regent of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, in a press release.
Marriott International Receives Building Museum Award
Courtesy National Building Museum.
Marriott International received the National Building Museum’s 2024 Honor Award, which recognizes organizations or individuals that made significant contributions to our built heritage, at the museum’s annual gala on June 6. “It’s hard to think of a more deserving recipient for our 37th annual Honor Award than Marriott International,” said Executive Director Aileen Fuchs in a press release. “Marriott’s commitment to excellence and community engagement perfectly aligns with the Museum’s pillars of Equity, Innovation, Environment and Wonder.”
