Los Angeles, CA – Geffen Playhouse’s Board of Directors announced today that DG member Tarell Alvin McCraney will be stepping into the role of artistic director effective immediately. 

McCraney, whose play Choir Boy received a 2018 Tony Award nomination for Best Play, will join in building the Geffen’s upcoming 2024-2025 season. Regarding his new position, the playwright and screenwriter said, “I see my role as continuing a legacy of exceptional artistry, reinvesting in the Geffen’s unique capability to nurture and support artists, build upon collaborative partnerships including with UCLA, and reach audiences that we share a community with across Los Angeles. I am excited to foster intimate innovation in performance, digging deep into our collective need for live connection here at Geffen Playhouse.” 

Geffen Playhouse Executive Director/CEO Gil Cates echoed McCraney’s enthusiasm: “I am delighted to welcome and partner with Tarell. From Choir Boy to the Cast Iron residency, and now as our new artistic director, Tarell has come full circle with the Geffen and we couldn’t be more excited.”

In addition to producing the West Coast premiere of Choir Boy, the Geffen selected McCraney for its 2020 artist residency, in association with Cast Iron Entertainment. The cohort included artists Sterling K. Brown, Glenn Davis, Brian Tyree Henry, Jon Michael Hill, and André Holland.

“[McCraney is] an exceptional artist and storyteller,” continued Cates. “...and a true visionary with extraordinary ideas for where we can go as a theater, as a home for artists and as part of the cultural landscape in Los Angeles.”