David Kilpatrick Named Director of Learning and Education at the Folger
David Kilpatrick, currently Senior Director of Education Programs and Productions at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, has been named Director of Learning and Education Programs at the Folger Shakespeare Library. The appointment marks a strategic expansion of educational offerings at the institution, which houses the world's largest Shakespeare collection and operates the acclaimed Folger Theatre.
The Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the award-winning Folger Theatre, has long served as a cornerstone of Washington's cultural landscape. The library's professional theater company performs Shakespeare-inspired works in an intimate Elizabethan-style playhouse, having staged more than 94 productions since its reactivation in 1991. This theatrical arm complements the library's educational mission, creating a unique intersection of scholarship and performance.
In his new role beginning October 14, 2025, Kilpatrick will spearhead efforts to expand the Folger's educational resources and develop programming that connects Shakespeare and the humanities to contemporary challenges facing young people. His responsibilities include overseeing strategic development for local, national, and virtual audiences while collaborating with senior leadership on expanded public programming.
"I have been a longtime fan of the Folger, and to join their team at this moment in its esteemed history is quite an honor," Kilpatrick said. "I am eager to expand access to the Folger's educational resources, activate its newly renovated spaces and incredible exhibits, and ensure that Shakespeare and the humanities remain inspiring and essential for learners of all ages. What excites me the most is the Folger's vision to be a welcoming cultural space for Capitol Hill and DC while engaging audiences and learners across the country and around the world. I can't wait to collaborate with the team and help bring this vision to life."
Kilpatrick brings nearly two decades of experience from the Kennedy Center, where he has overseen education portfolios across music, theater, and dance since 2007. His tenure includes notable achievements such as launching the Education Artist-in-Residence initiative with celebrated authors Mo Willems and Jacqueline Woodson, leading the curatorial team for Performances for Young Audiences, and designing family programming for the REACH expansion's opening festival. Before joining the Kennedy Center as Manager of Theatre for Young Audiences, he worked in education departments at New York's New Victory Theater and Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theatre.
Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper, Director of the Folger, emphasized the importance of Kilpatrick's expertise for the institution's future direction.
"We want to teach young people about the tools within Shakespeare's works that can be vital to them in their lives today," said Folger Director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper. "David brings a wealth of expertise in implementing and scaling educational and public programs from his time at the Kennedy Center that will be essential as we chart the Folger's new creative and programmatic course for the next five to seven years. With David, we can build on the foundation of our existing educational and family programming and create greater opportunities for teachers, students, and general audiences. I am so excited to welcome him to our leadership team."
The position represents a significant leadership transition in the Folger's education department. Founding Director of Education Peggy O'Brien led the department until her 2024 retirement, with Katherine Dvorak serving as interim leader during the search process conducted by Arts Consulting Group.
The Folger's current educational initiatives span a comprehensive range of K-12 programming, including student experiences that combine gallery tours with hands-on engagement with collection objects, and the annual Secondary School Festival, which allows students to perform on the Elizabethan-style theatre stage. The institution also publishes The Folger Guide to Teaching Shakespeare series with Simon & Schuster (2024-2025) and provides extensive digital lesson materials and teacher training resources at folger.edu.
As a cultural organization anchored by the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the Folger Shakespeare Library serves as an accessible gateway to both the Bard's works and the world in which he lived. The institution welcomes diverse audiences through interactive exhibitions, performances, research opportunities, and transformative educational programs, fostering connections from local Washington, DC communities to audiences worldwide.