The Arkansas Repertory Theatre has found its new artistic director in Steve H. Broadnax III.
Broadnax is a Little Rock native and graduate of Parkview High School who has led productions on Broadway and across the country both on stage and in the director’s chair, including directing “Thoughts of a Colored Man” on Broadway and Pulitzer Prize winner “The Hot Wing King.”
“I am honored to return home and take on the role of artistic director at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre,” Broadnax says. “The Rep has a rich legacy of fostering compelling storytelling and community engagement. I look forward to building on that foundation, bringing diverse and powerful narratives to the stage and connecting with the vibrant artistic community in Little Rock and beyond.
“My appointment heralds an exciting new chapter for The Rep, which continues to expand its commitment to bold, relevant and transformative productions. I hope to introduce fresh perspectives while honoring the traditions that have made The Rep a cherished institution for almost five decades.”
Local audiences will recognize Broadnax from his roles on The Rep stage in “Jitney” and “Dreamgirls” and as director of multiple productions such as “Marie and Rosetta” and “Native Gardens.”
Prior to Broadnax, the interim artistic director position was held by Ken-Matt Martin, who will remain on staff as producing director, rounding out the leadership team with executive director Will Trice.
“It has been a true joy collaborating with Ken-Matt this past year, and I couldn’t be more excited to expand that collaboration moving forward with Steve. Like myself and the rest of our leadership team, Steve is a Little Rock native whose love for theater was born at The Rep,” Trice says. “He crafted that love into a career as one of the most sought after directors working in the industry, and the fact that he wants to join us back home to continue The Rep’s legacy is a testament to the impact this institution can have. He is a star and also a wonderful human.”
Broadnax will make his debut in this new role in May as The Rep kicks off its 2025 SummerStage season with the world premiere of “Me and the Devil,” written and directed by Broadnax.
Read more: Arkansas Repertory Theatre Announces 2025 Season
Season subscriptions are available now, and individual tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, The Rep is also preparing for the return of its annual Ovation! Gala on May 3 and this month’s “Proud!: Celebrating the African American Journey through an Artistic Lens.”
For more information, visit The Rep’s website, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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