Lincoln Center Theater has tapped Maria Manuela Goyanes, currently Artistic Director of Washington D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, to serve as Artistic Director of LCT3 and Producer, and Mike Schleifer, currently Managing Director of Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre, as Lincoln Center Theater’s Managing Director.
The hirings were announced today by Lincoln Center Theater’s Board of Directors (Kewsong Lee, Chair), incoming LCT Artistic Director Lear deBessonet and Executive Producer Bartlett Sher.
The announcement completes the appointments for the new executive leadership team that will begin their tenures to coincide with the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Goyanes and Schleifer join the newly appointed deBessonet, Sher and Nicole Kastrinos (Producer), alongside Naomi Grabel (Executive Director of Development & Planning) to complete the LCT executive leadership team.
According to today’s announcement, the appointment of Goyanes signals an expanded vision for LCT3 and the Claire Tow Theater. LCT3 is dedicated to producing new work by the next generation of theater artists with a goal to bring new audiences to Lincoln Center Theater. While it will continue its programming in the Claire Tow Theater, it will also occupy alternative spaces both inside the building and externally. Simultaneously, the Claire Tow Theater will program events, concerts and comedy shows, in addition to LCT3 productions, serving as a hub for community gatherings. Goyanes’ role extends beyond the artistic leadership of LCT3 in her role as Producer, leading other select artistic projects across the organization.
“The Claire Tow Theater, perched atop Lincoln Center Theater, is a jewel box – a brave space for vulnerability and courage in close proximity,” said Goyanes. “I remember when it opened, and it’s hard to believe it’s now just two years shy of its 15th anniversary. I am deeply humbled to build upon the foundation of magnificent new work at LCT3, stewarded by two brilliant minds – Evan Cabnet and, before him, Paige Evans.”
Schleifer, who, along with deBessonet and Sher, will report to the Board, will oversee Lincoln Center Theater’s financial and operational health and ensure long-term sustainability and growth. He will work closely with deBessonet and Sher to align strategic planning with artistic goals, manage the theater’s union relationships, and lead budgeting, marketing, and capital planning efforts. Schleifer is also tasked with identifying and developing new revenue opportunities, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurialism to diversify income streams and strengthen the organization’s financial position.
Additionally, he will focus on building a collaborative and transparent organizational culture, strengthening relationships with the Board, and ensuring that Lincoln Center Theater remains a leader in producing innovative and diverse theatrical productions.
Programming for the 2025-2026 season at Lincoln Center Theater will be announced soon.
As previously announced, André Bishop will continue to lead LCT through its current 40th anniversary season before stepping down following a 33-year tenure as Artistic Director.
