Ars Nova has named Andrew Neisler and Anna Morton Stacey its new co-artistic directors, jointly succeeding Founding Artistic Director Jason Eagan, who will step down from his role beginning June 30. The move caps off a tenure of more than two decades of leadership by Eagan, who will move into an advisory role.
The appointment is a promotion for both Neisler and Stacey, who are currently the company's co-associate artistic directors. This new appointment follows two years of succession planning made in conversation with the theatre's board, staff, and consultants.
“Jason’s leadership has been defined by his deep commitment to identifying and developing artists, his genre-breaking programming, and his extraordinary ability to foster a diverse and collaborative community," say Co-Founders Jenny and Jon Steingart in a joint statement. "His entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision have been pivotal in expanding Ars Nova’s reach, securing its place as a vital institution in the New York City arts scene. As he transitions into an advisory role, we feel grateful that he was the driving force that infused all of his creative being into the DNA of Ars Nova, ensuring the legacy of creativity, inclusivity, and innovation into the company going forward. As we have always been excited to watch new generations of artists ascend, we are just as thrilled to see Anna and Andrew step into leadership roles that will bring fresh, dynamic energy to Ars Nova’s artistic programming and shape its future.”
“I'm proud of what we've accomplished over the past two decades," adds Eagan. “When I started here, I never imagined Ars Nova would become one of the great cultural gems of New York City. I’m grateful for Jenny and Jon’s unwavering support, which gave me the freedom and opportunity to pour my creativity, vision, and time into building something we could all believe in. This has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. I am eternally grateful to the artists who have trusted me to help bring your visions to life. I’m equally grateful to past and present board and staff, whose dedication has made Ars Nova so much of what it has become. I am confident that Ars Nova's rogue spirit will continue in the hands of Anna and Andrew as co-artistic directors. Their vision, energy, and shared commitment to the mission give me complete confidence that Ars Nova will evolve to meet the needs of artists for years to come. I look forward to supporting them and the entire team in this exciting next chapter.”
The move comes in a time of larger leadership shifts at the company. Former Producing Executive Director Renee Blinkwolt recently announced she'd been fired from her role last year (the theatre itself has only acknowledged that Blinkwolt is no longer with the company), and Managing Director Casey York has also stepped away from her role, to become managing director of Playwrights Horizons. Egan and Interim Executive Director Preston Whiteway are currently leading the search to find a new managing director to work alongside Neisler and Stacey.
“Ars Nova has been my artistic home for most of my professional career, and it will be an honor to lead the company with Anna," says Neisler. "I believe the mission is not only vital to the artists whose work we support but also critical to maintaining a vibrant and thriving culture in New York City.”
"Joining the Ars Nova team in 2023 was a dream come true for me, and I am proud to continue my service to the organization in this new role. I look forward to partnering with Andrew to build upon Jason's legacy in the coming years and set forth a vision for the future of Ars Nova," adds Stacey.
Ars Nova has served as a launching space for many theatrical, music, and comedy artists, hosting them and their work in the early stages of their career. The company notably was the first home for Dave Malloy's Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, which has gone on to receive commercial Off-Broadway, Broadway, and West End runs.
Visit ArsNovaNYC.com.