A bold new chapter starts
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company proudly announces Reggie D. White as its next Artistic Director. White becomes only the third artistic leader in Woolly’s 46-year history, following the seven-year tenure of Maria Manuela Goyanes, who stepped down in September 2025, and Howard Shalwitz, the company’s co-founder who led for 38 years.
White will officially assume the role in early Spring 2026, joining Managing Director Kimberly E. Douglas on the executive leadership team, with ongoing support from Board President Kaiti Saunders.
Currently the Senior Director of Artistic Strategy & Impact at Arena Stage, White brings nearly twenty years of multifaceted experience as an actor, director, playwright, educator, and arts strategist. His artistic footprint spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, international stages, and key institutional leadership positions.
White made his Broadway debut in Matthew López’s Tony Award–winning The Inheritance and has earned praise for roles on stage and screen including, most recently, Goddess at The Public Theater. His directing credits include Atlantic Theater Company, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and The Williams Project.
As a playwright, his work has been developed at Bay Street Theater and Berkeley Rep, and his play Fremont Ave. will next be seen at California’s South Coast Repertory after its world premiere at Arena Stage this fall opened to critical acclaim and won the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. He previously served as Artistic Director of the Atlantic Acting School (2018–2022), Associate Artistic Director of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (2022-2024), is a resident artist at Vineyard Theatre, and a recipient of numerous honors, including the Colman Domingo Award, TCG Fox Fellowship, TBA Titan Award, and the RHE Artistic Fellowship.
White shared his excitement and connection to the company’s origins:
“I have been a fan of Woolly Mammoth since my earliest days as a theatre-maker, and to be named its next Artistic Director on the verge of its 50th Anniversary is a profound honor.
As a sophomore at Cal State Hayward, I wrote a research paper about an audacious, vanguard, ensemble-based theatre company in the Nation’s Capital led by Howard Shalwitz, and now to be trusted with carrying forward the incredible legacies of both Howard and Maria Manuela Goyanes feels surreal. ‘Pinching myself’ barely begins to cover it.
We have always needed stories, and always will – stories that comfort us, confront us, and crackle with undeniable truths. Those stories are the cornerstone of Woolly’s legacy. I can’t wait to deepen Woolly’s connection to DC’s vibrant theatre community and bring new groundbreaking storytellers, both familiar and brand new, into the fold.”
In his first 60–90 days after joining Woolly in early Spring 2026, White plans to focus on deeply engaging with Woolly’s staff, artists, audiences, and D.C. theatre peers; reviewing programming pipelines and commissioning opportunities; deepening community partnerships and accessibility initiatives; supporting the theatre’s ongoing anti-racism and equity commitments; and collaborating on Woolly’s upcoming 50th Anniversary strategic vision.
We chose Reggie because his approach to art and leadership aligns closely with Woolly’s culture and ideals to continue to innovate and bring great stories worthy of celebration and exploration. He embodies the spirit of artistic ambition, takes thoughtful risks, and values openness, all qualities at the heart of Woolly’s mission and values. His track record shows deep commitment to collaboration, community, and theatre that sparks meaningful conversation.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are thrilled to welcome Reggie D. White to lead Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company into its next chapter. Reggie is a once-in-a-lifetime artist who embodies the future of American theatre with extraordinary vision, thoughtfulness, and imagination. We look forward to the energy and insight he will bring, and to the bright future he will help shape alongside Managing Director Kimberly E. Douglas.
I would like to shout from the rooftops how excited I am for Reggie to take the reins of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. I have known Reggie in many incarnations; as an actor, director, deviser, writer, and most recently as a producer and artistic leader for the wonderful Hana S. Sharif at Arena Stage. Reggie is such an inspirational artist to me. He embodies the passion, ambition, and immense talent to keep Woolly forging courageous pathways to a transformative new era for the American theater.
I am honored and truly excited that Reggie will step into the role of Artistic Director at Woolly Mammoth as we look ahead to our fiftieth season. Reggie is dynamic, ambitious, and remarkably skilled. As an actor, director, and playwright, he brings a first-hand understanding of every phase of theater, along with a deep sense of camaraderie with fellow artists in D.C. and beyond. I was especially inspired by his recent project at Arena Stage, FREMONT AVENUE, which speaks to the breadth of his talent and vision. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the Woolly stage and how he carries forward and interprets our unique mission.