The Arkansas Repertory Theatre continues to build back stronger than ever with the announcement of its new executive artistic director — Little Rock native William Trice. Trice has served as a Broadway producer in New York City since 2010 and his work has earned him three Tony Awards and five nominations.
“After the year we’ve been through with suspending productions and re-evaluating our entire operations, we’re thrilled to have Will join our team,” said Ruth Shepherd, The Rep’s board chair. “He is uniquely positioned with his vast experience and ties to central Arkansas to lead at this specific point in The Rep’s history.”
Trice’s role as executive artistic director is a newly created position. He will be responsible for management, budgeting and shaping the artistic vision for The Rep. Trice officially begins his new job in August, but has been consulting for The Rep since December.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join The Rep’s staff, board, supporters, and audiences, as we continue its rich tradition of entertaining and inspiring theater in Arkansas,” Trice said. “The way this organization has rallied over the past year shows how much The Rep is cherished, and it’s an honor to have a role in mapping its future.”
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Trice served as a producer for nearly 30 productions on Broadway, the West End and national tours. He won his three Tony Awards for “All The Way” starring Bryan Cranston, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and “Porgy and Bess” starring Audra McDonald. He was also nominated for five Tony awards for his work on “Fiddler on the Roof”; The Royal Shakespeare Company’s “Wolf Hall”, “You Can’t Take It With You” starring James Earl Jones and Rose Byrne, “The Glass Menagerie” starring Cherry Jones and Zachary Quinto; and Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” starring John Larroquette and Candice Bergen.
Coming back to Little Rock also means returning to the place where his love for theater began. Trice, a 1997 Central High graduate, started his career on stages in central Arkansas. He even appeared on The Rep stage in 1994 as a young actor in the production of Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers.”
“The Rep taught me what it means to be a professional theater-maker,” Trice said. “I was lucky enough to grow up in a community that values the arts and supports institutions presenting music, dance, opera, visual arts and theater — all with superb quality. I can’t wait to come back home and help create The Rep’s next edition of a great night out.”
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