Reggie D. White Named New Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Woolly Mammoth Theatre has announced Reggie D. White as its next Artistic Director, with plans for him to begin in early spring 2026, marking a major moment in the company’s history as it heads toward its 50th season. The appointment follows the planned departure of Maria Manuela Goyanes, who has led Woolly through a transformative era and is moving on to a new leadership role at Lincoln Center Theater’s LCT3.
White arrives with a wide-ranging theatre background that fits Woolly’s identity as a home for bold new work. An actor, director, and playwright, he has also built a strong administrative and strategic résumé, most recently serving as Arena Stage’s Senior Director of Artistic Strategy & Impact. White is stepping into the role at a time when major theatres are navigating post-pandemic audience shifts and financial pressures, even as Woolly remains positioned for continued ambition and stability.
Woolly leaders and longtime artistic voices framed the selection as a natural next chapter in a legacy of risk-taking. Founding Artistic Director Howard Shalwitz reflected on the significance of the transition and White’s breadth of experience, saying, “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.”
Former Artistic Director Maria Manuela Goyanes echoed that enthusiasm and emphasized the personal and artistic continuity she sees in White’s appointment: “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.”
From the Board’s perspective, the announcement signals both momentum and confidence in Woolly’s next era. Board President Kaiti Saunders said, “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.”
Douglas, who will continue to co-lead the organization with White, highlighted the alignment between his artistic temperament and Woolly’s mission-driven appetite for meaningful risk: “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.”
In the broader context of DC theatre, White’s appointment signals a confident step into Woolly Mammoth’s next era as the company approaches its milestone 50th season. The choice reflects both continuity and forward momentum, pairing Woolly’s long-standing appetite for boundary-pushing work with a leader known for balancing artistry, institution-building, and a strong commitment to community-centered storytelling. For audiences, this transition reads as an invitation to expect the same fearless spirit the theatre is known for, energized by fresh perspective and ambitious vision for what comes next.