Photo by Matthew Murphy
Lear deBessonet, the James J. Bailey III Scholar from the Class of 2002, has been named the new artistic director of Lincoln Center Theater. Her appointment continues a notable New York theater career, including most recently her brief tenure as artistic director of New York City Center’s Encores! While with the company, she directed two shows, Into the Woods and Once Upon a Mattress, both of which have transferred to Broadway. Into the Woods earned six Tony Award nominations, including best revival of a musical and best direction of a musical. deBessonet will succeed André Bishop who previously announced that he would end his 33-year tenure with Lincoln Center Theater in June 2025.