Avery Willis Hoffman Named Court Theatre's New Artistic Director

Avery Willis Hoffman has taken the reins as the new Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director of the Court Theatre in Chicago, succeeding Charles Newell, who guided the institution for three decades. Hoffman, a leader known for her classical training and extensive international experience, steps into the role with a background that spans academic rigor, global production, and museum development.

A Childhood Turning Point

Hoffman's journey into theater leadership began not on the stage, but in an unexpected moment of crisis during her youth. Raised in Princeton, New Jersey, where her parents were an artist and a professor at Princeton University, Hoffman was introduced to the theater early. Her first professional appearance was at the McCarter Theatre Center at age 12, playing Martha in A Christmas Carol.

During one performance, her period costume snagged and tore in the show’s revolving set. In a late October interview, Hoffman reflected on the incident as "a real turning point." She recalled realizing, "I don’t really need to be on this stage. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to anyone else, and that will be it." Although excellent drama teachers later encouraged her, this "somewhat traumatic experience on the professional stage" ultimately diverted her focus away from acting and toward other aspects of the theater.

Global Experience and Academic Depth

Hoffman's subsequent career path built a unique foundation for her new leadership role. She holds a B.A. in Classics and English from Stanford University, and completed her master's and doctorate in Classical Languages and Literature from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Marshall Scholar.

Her professional life includes significant production work worldwide with director Peter Sellars on productions spanning theater, opera, and dance, including Othello, Mozart’s Zaide, and Toni Morrison’s Desdemona. She also founded her own company, Avery Productions, in 2006 to produce international tours and performances.

Most recently, Hoffman served as the inaugural Artistic Director of the Brown Arts Institute at Brown University, overseeing the opening of the Lindemann Performing Arts Center. Her diverse resume also features roles as Program Director at the Park Avenue Armory and as Content Developer at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, where she contributed to the permanent exhibitions of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Leading Court Theatre's Future

Court Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre welcomed Hoffman, emphasizing her unique qualifications. "Avery is a visionary leader whose knowledge of the classics, depth of experience, artistic rigor, and commitment to inclusive storytelling make her an exceptional choice to guide Court’s artistic future," Ysaguirre stated. He added that her "collaborative approach and thoughtful leadership will be invaluable" as the Court Theatre continues to expand its national profile and engagement with audiences. Hoffman will serve alongside Ysaguirre as the Court continues its legacy of "bold, thoughtful storytelling."