New Leaders Named at Classical Theatre of Harlem, Childsplay & More
The American theatre landscape is undergoing a shift in leadership, with several prominent companies announcing new executive appointments. Chris Berry is stepping into the role of managing director at the Classical Theatre of Harlem, while Anthony Runfola will serve as the new artistic director of Childsplay. These changes, alongside appointments at Portland Center Stage and A Noise Within, signal a period of growth and evolution for these regional theatres.
A New Vision for Harlem
Chris Berry’s arrival at the Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) marks a pivotal moment for the organization, as it aims to solidify its position as a leading American theatre company rooted in the cultural richness of Harlem and reflective of the African diaspora. Berry brings a decade of experience in nonprofit theatre, arts education, and national cultural organizations to the role. Most recently, he served as executive director of The Playwrights Realm, where he focused on strategic growth and strengthening the organization’s infrastructure. His background also includes positions as arts director at the Penumbra Center for Racial Healing, president and national conference planner of the Black Theatre Network, and leadership roles at the Black Arts Institute at the Billie Holiday Theatre.
Berry’s experience extends beyond administration into the artistic realm. He is a trained actor, holding a BFA from North Carolina A&T State University and an MFA from Brown University/Trinity Rep. He has also worked as a dialect coach, contributing to productions like Signature Theatre’s The Hot Wing King and the television series P-Valley. His multifaceted background—artist, educator, and administrator—positions him well to lead CTH through its next phase of development. According to CTH, Berry’s appointment comes at a “moment of growth” for the company.
Childsplay Welcomes Runfola Back Home
In Phoenix, Arizona, Childsplay has named Anthony Runfola as its new artistic director. Runfola is no stranger to the company, having previously spent two decades there in various roles, including director of production. He returns to Childsplay after a five-year tenure as artistic director of Magik Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, where he led the company to critical acclaim, including being named “Best Theatre” by the San Antonio Current for three consecutive years (2022-2024).
During his time at Magik Theatre, Runfola championed inclusive storytelling and community partnerships, commissioning and directing world premieres like Lyric and the Keys and Eddie &. Vinnie. At Childsplay, he oversaw over 150 productions and contributed to the development of new plays such as Tomás and the Library Lady and The Sun Serpent. He also directed national tours of popular shows like Rock the Presidents and Schoolhouse Rock Live!. Runfola will perform alongside managing director Steve Martin, focusing on artistic programming, community engagement, and furthering the company’s commitment to equity and access.
Leadership Changes Extend Coast to Coast
The leadership changes aren’t limited to New York and Arizona. A Noise Within in Pasadena, California, has promoted Conner Criswell to managing director, succeeding Douglas Love-Ramos. Criswell, currently the company’s general manager, brings experience from Orlando Shakespeare Theater and the Walt Disney World Resort. Meanwhile, Portland Center Stage at The Armory in Oregon has appointed Heather de Michele as its new managing director, effective April 6th. De Michele’s background includes leadership roles at Live Wire Radio and The Groundlings Theatre and School in Los Angeles, where she focused on organizational growth and diversity initiatives.
The Groundlings and Live Wire Radio Experience
De Michele’s tenure at The Groundlings, spanning over a decade, saw significant growth in both the organization’s patron base and student enrollment. She also spearheaded a diversity, equity, and inclusion program in partnership with NBC Universal, providing scholarships to hundreds of students annually. Prior to that, she served as executive director of Live Wire Radio, where she cultivated donor relationships and championed underrepresented voices. This experience in fundraising and community building will be crucial as she guides Portland Center Stage through its next phase of growth.
What These Appointments Signal
These appointments collectively suggest a trend toward prioritizing leaders with a strong commitment to community engagement, equity, and artistic innovation. Berry’s focus on the African diaspora, Runfola’s dedication to inclusive storytelling, Criswell’s experience in arts administration, and de Michele’s emphasis on diversity all point to a desire for theatre to be more representative and accessible. The organizations are clearly looking for leaders who can not only manage the business side of theatre but also champion its artistic and social impact.
The timing of these changes is also noteworthy. As the theatre industry continues to recover from the challenges of the pandemic, strong leadership is essential for navigating the evolving landscape and ensuring the long-term sustainability of these organizations. These new leaders will be tasked with attracting audiences, securing funding, and fostering a vibrant artistic community.
Looking Ahead
Each of these leaders will be stepping into their roles with specific priorities. Berry will focus on realizing CTH’s vision of becoming a major American theatre company. Runfola will build on Childsplay’s legacy of creating high-quality theatre for young audiences. Criswell will continue to strengthen A Noise Within’s position as a leading classical theatre. And de Michele will guide Portland Center Stage through its next chapter of growth and innovation. The coming months will reveal how these new leaders shape the future of their respective organizations and contribute to the broader American theatre landscape.