Jeremy Blocker. (Photo by Marcus Middleton)
NEW YORK CITY: New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) has announced that executive director Jeremy Blocker will step down from the position this summer after ten years with the company. He will become the head of live creative producing for Audible Theater.
“Being part of New York Theatre Workshop for the last decade has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Blocker in a statement. “I am indescribably proud of what the community has accomplished and deeply grateful for the time I have spent here. While departing NYTW is bittersweet, I am excited to celebrate and support the Workshop’s next chapter under Patricia McGregor’s leadership.”
As executive director, Blocker helped increase NYTW’s reserve funds to secure the organization’s financial future and led the most recent strategic planning process, which saw an expansion of season productions, a 200% increase in artist compensation, the launch of the 2050 Administrative Fellowship, and the renovation of the company’s Fourth Street Theatre. He sustained the company during the Covid-19 shutdown, financially supporting artists and maintaining a full staff, while also steering the organization through its first major transition in artistic leadership in more than three decades.
“While stepping into my role and envisioning the next chapter at New York Theatre Workshop, it has been invaluable to have the partnership, expertise, and passion for the work that Jeremy brings to the table every day,” said NYTW artistic director Patricia McGregor in a statement. “I’ve seen first-hand how he champions bold work; how he cherishes the staff and our community of supporters; and how he meets each challenge with a dexterity of thought and steadfastness of action. We will miss him on East 4th Street and I know he’ll bring the same creativity and rigor to his new role at Audible.”
NYTW will begin a search for a new managing leader to work alongside McGregor, with announcements of a search firm partner and further details about the submission and selection timeline to come.
Prior to his tenure at NYTW, Jeremy Blocker served as the first managing director of Ars Nova, where he produced six world premiere productions including the Obie Award-winning Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 by Dave Malloy, seven festivals, and dozens of concerts, readings, and workshops. He has also previously served as director of individual giving at Manhattan Theatre Club, development associate for capital projects at Atlantic Theater Company, and producing director of Babel Theatre Project, which he co-founded. Jeremy is an assistant adjunct professor of theatre management and producing at Columbia University’s School of the Arts and holds a BA from Harvard University as well as an MFA from Columbia.
“Known industry wide for his impeccable taste, curatorial talent, and deep commitment to discovering emerging artists, Jeremy is an ideal fit to lead Audible’s growing live business,” said Audible head of creative development Kate Navin in a statement. “We are lucky to have his vast experience, track record and widespread network to support the next stage of Audible Theater’s evolution, and help elevate Audible Originals as a leading voice in live narrative entertainment. Jeremy’s contribution to New York Theatre Workshop was a boon to the entire theatre community and it was a privilege to enjoy and applaud his work. We look forward to working side by side with him here at Audible to create incredible live performances at the Minetta as well as lasting audio content that reaches new and existing audio and theatre lovers around the world.”
“I have been deeply impressed by the impact Audible has made within the theatre community in just a few years,” added Blocker in a statement “Audible Theater has been a laboratory for theatrical innovation, finding new models to make work and reach audiences in New York City and around the world. I am beyond excited to be joining Audible’s team and collaborating with them to create theatre in new ways.”
New York Theatre Workshop is an Off-Broadway theatre company in the East Village, known for producing new plays and musicals. NYTW aims to develop and produce the work of visionary theatre artists who engage with challenging ideas and push the theatrical form, prioritize art that asks questions over art that provides answers, and expand our view of ourselves and our world. As of 2022, NYTW had an approximate budget of $8.3 million.
Audible Theater is a producer of original productions that are adapted specifically for the listening experience. They strive to redefine theatrical storytelling with extraordinary performances, live stagings, and new voices. The Minetta Lane Theatre in Greenwich Village serves as Audible Theater’s creative home for live performances in New York.
