McCarter Theatre Center has announce d two new appointments to its leadership team: Donya K. Washington as the new BOLD associate artistic director and Joe Peacock as director of development.
Washington joins McCarter from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), where she has been pivotal in her role as director of repertory producing. During her nine seasons at OSF, Washington served as lead producer on productions including “Rent,” “The Three Musketeers,” “Once on This Island,” and “The Tempest.” She holds a master of fine arts in directing from Brown University/Trinity Rep and a bachelor of fine arts from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.
“I’ve known Donya and her work for 15 years,” said Sarah Rasmussen, artistic director at McCarter. “She is a beloved and deft director and producer at multiple large theaters, as well as, a great artist and teammate.”
Washington added, “I’m so excited to get started. My mom grew up in Trenton, so I’ve spent my life coming to the area and am thrilled to get back to a place that’s within driving distance to Halo Farms and the Columbus Farmers Market. I’m a big believer that theater is a team sport, I can’t wait to learn how McCarter plays the game and meet my new teammates.”
The position of BOLD associate artistic director is supported by a major grant from the BOLD Theater Women’s Leadership Circle. “Donya’s career trajectory within the BOLD Circle from early career at the Alliance Theater to now BOLD Associate Artistic Director at McCarter is, indeed, a full circle that signifies the power of women promoting women in the American theater,” said Carol Dunne, director of the Helen Gurley Brown BOLD Theater Women’s Leadership Circle.
The grant’s aim is to advance the artistic leadership of women in professional theaters nationwide. At McCarter, Donya will help lead the artistic department with season planning, project development, and producing in addition to pursuing her own directing work.
Peacock brings more than two decades of fundraising expertise to his role as director of development, most recently as chief philanthropy officer for Cincinnati Opera. During the Opera’s centennial in 2020, Peacock spearheaded efforts to raise nearly $1 million in additional funds for special programming and artistic initiatives.
“Joe Peacock’s remarkable track record in building community support for the arts makes him an invaluable addition to our team,” noted McCarter Executive Director Martin Miller. “His colleagues describe him as a mentor, a compelling fundraiser, and a strategic thinker. His experience will be crucial as we work to expand McCarter’s artistic ambitions and mission-driven service to the community.”
Peacock added, “I believe that great art elevates our community and teaches us how to relate to the diverse world around us. I am excited to help grow the impact of McCarter Theatre Center for the Princeton community and beyond.”
For more information, visit www.mccarter.org.
