Matt Shakman will depart his role as artistic director of the Geffen Playhouse in February 2023.
Shakman, who will continue programming the Los Angeles theatre company's 2023-24 season lineup, will remain on the Geffen’s board of directors.
In a statement Shakman said, "After five wonderful years, I will be departing my role as Geffen Playhouse artistic director effective February 1, 2023. From my time as a visiting director and since joining as artistic director in 2017, I have been consistently moved by the Playhouse’s genuine focus on community and deeply impressed by the hard work and dedication of every staff member. Throughout my career, I have always kept one foot in the theatre world and one in film and television. As I look at my commitments in the years ahead, it has become clear to me that I will not be able to continue delivering as effectively for the Playhouse.
"It has been my great honor—and the highpoint of my theatre career—to work alongside the amazing family of staff and artists at the Geffen. I look forward to passing the baton to a new artistic leader who can boldly lead the theatre and its vision into the future."
Geffen Playhouse Executive Director Gil Cates, Jr. added, "Matt has been at the helm of shaping Geffen Playhouse’s artistic vision since 2017, but his roots with our theatre run deep. While he will be departing his role as the Geffen’s artistic director in February, we are delighted that Matt will spend the coming months programming our 2023-2024 season to completion and remain on our board of directors as a trusted advisor.
"I will particularly miss Matt’s leadership, friendship, and collaborative spirit, all of which have left an indelible mark on the Geffen and brought us to new heights in so many ways. We fully and wholeheartedly support Matt and can’t wait to see where his extraordinary creativity and passion for storytelling take him next."
For season details visit GeffenPlayhouse.org.
