Theatre Alumnus Anthony McDonald '13 Named Executive Director of the Shubert Theatre

Theatre alumnus Anthony McDonald ’13 has been named the Executive Director of the Shubert Theatre, effective March 15, 2021. McDonald replaces John Fisher, who served as the Shubert’s Executive Director since 2001. 

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the Shubert Theatre is a not-for-profit arts, education, and community organization established in 1997. It is a business unit of the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA). The Shubert’s programming features performers representing diverse cultures, nationalities, and modes of artistic expression. Its work with other local organizations allows the Shubert to present education and community engagement programs; the Theatre partners with the New Haven’s Co-Op Arts Magnet School and offers a Summer Theatre and Arts Camp for young people. 

As the new Executive Director, McDonald will continue to foster the cultural vibrancy and diversity in the region. In addition to diversifying and expanding the Shubert’s programming and educational offerings, McDonald will continue to build on the Theatre’s iconic reputation and broaden fundraising efforts via sponsorships, grants, and audience support. He will also serve as a leader for the professional development of Shubert staff to ensure the effective implementation of policy and procedure across the organization.

McDonald assumes the role as Connecticut begins the process of reopening its nightlife after a year of pandemic restriction. In an article for the New Haven Independent, CAPA President and CEO Chad Whittington said, “Anthony’s appointment as the next Executive Director of CAPA CT and the Shubert Theatre is an exciting and important step into our future. Anthony’s theatre experience and his vision for the Shubert make him the right person to lead the organization forward as we strive to meet the changing needs of the community and to make the Shubert a home for everyone. The future is bright at the Shubert!”

McDonald brings extensive theatre management experience to the Shubert. He has worked on several Broadway productions. Most recently, he worked with the Nederlander Producing Co. of America at both the Minskoff Theatre, home to Disney’s The Lion King, and before that, at the Gershwin Theatre, home to Wicked. 

As a general manager, McDonald has been an associate on Broadway’s First Date and Off Broadway’s Fuerza Bruta: Wayra. He was also assistant to Peter Boygo on Trip to the Bountiful and general manager of the Miranda Theatre Company’s They Promised Her the Moon and Broadview Phoenix/Magis Theatre Company’s Miracle in Rwanda. He served as the general management consultant with Show Shepherd. Additionally, McDonald was the company manager of the workshop of Behind the Painting and assistant company manager on Broadway’s Holler If Ya Hear Me.

McDonald received his BFA in Theatre Arts Administration from Howard University and his MFA from the School of the Arts in Theatre Management and Producing. He is a member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers.