Director Leigh Silverman has been elected Board President of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

Silverman, a Tony nominee for her work on Broadway's Suffs and Violet, will lead a board comprising Vice President-Secretary Ellenore Scott, Treasurer Sharon Ott, Maggie Burrows, Justin Emeka, Jonathan Parker, Laura Penn, Maria Torres, Victoria Traube, and Barbara Whitman.

The foundation was founded in 1965 to further the art of directing and choreographing in future generations, providing professional development opportunities for early career artists, awarding more than $100,000 in annual grants, and honoring and recognizing established artists.

“It is an extraordinary honor to be named President of the SDC Foundation,” says Silverman in a statement. “I have experienced firsthand the incredible impact the Foundation has on our membership and the field. I look forward to championing SDCF programming that amplifies, advocates, and supports directors and choreographers at all stages of their careers and I am eager to work alongside our new Foundation Director, Laura Peete, and my fellow trustees. I dedicate this service to my friend, Foundation President 2022-2024, Mark Brokaw, and hold his generous spirit and inspirational leadership in my heart.”

“As we approach the close our 60th anniversary, we could not be more excited to welcome Leigh Silverman as our new Board President,” adds SDCF Director Peete. “A bold, imaginative, and two-time Tony-nominated director, Leigh has consistently pushed our field forward. She knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs directors and choreographers face, and she champions their wellbeing, artistry, and sustainability with unmatched passion. With Leigh at the helm, SDCF will continue to innovate, invest in artists, and protect the future of our craft."

Visit SDCFoundation.org.