Dorothy Ryan will take over the position of executive director of Theatre for a New Audience from TFANA Founding Artistic Director Jeffrey Horowitz next month.

Horowitz will depart the company August 31, and from that point forward TFANA will adopt a shared leadership model, with the responsibilities split between an executive and an artistic director. Ryan will work alongside the previously announced Arin Arbus, who will be the organization’s artistic tirector. Both Ryan and Arbus will begin their respective new roles September 1.

Says Ryan in a statement, “I am thrilled to continue my immensely fulfilling work with TFANA in this new and expanded role, and to be partnering alongside such an inspired and compelling artistic director as Arin Arbus. I look forward to further collaboration with Arin, the theatre’s board, artists, audiences, and generous supporters. Together, along with our talented and dedicated staff, we will build on Jeffrey Horowitz’s magnificent accomplishments, which have made TFANA the dynamic theatre and vibrant artistic center that it is today.”

Adds Horowitz, “I have been fortunate to have worked closely with Dorothy for over two decades, and she has been essential in building TFANA. I am excited now to see how TFANA will evolve under Arin’s and Dorothy’s partnership.”

Since she first joined TFANA as managing director in 2003, Ryan has been a force of change for the organization. Beyond her work developing Polonsky Shakespeare Center, under her leadership TFANA has expanded its arts education programs serving New York City public schools. Ryan was key to TFANA’s navigating the financial crash of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before joining TFANA, Ryan held senior fundraising roles at numerous leading New York cultural institutions, including the 92nd Street Y and Brooklyn Museum.