Katrinah Carol Lewis and Steve Perigard have been named Interim Co-Artistic Directors of Virginia Repertory Theatre by Managing Director Phil Whiteway. This is a 6-month engagement, as part of the theatre’s longer term planning process. Whiteway commented, “As trusted longtime Virginia Rep artists, Katrinah and Steve will be invaluable in moving our nonprofit company forward.”

Lewis made her Virginia Rep debut in 2004 and joined the museum theater department of Colonial Williamsburg as an actor interpreter. She was named Artistic Director of the program in 2016. She’s been nominated for 7 Artsie Awards by the Richmond Theatre Critics Circle, including winning Best Actress for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill produced by TheatreLab. She also served as their Associate Artistic Director for 2 years. According to Janet Starke, Executive Director of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, this appointment is historic. “To my knowledge, Lewis is the first woman of color to be named to the top artistic leadership position of a major Virginia performing arts organization.”

Perigard has been working as an artist, administrator and educator for 30 years. From 1997 to 2009, he served as Associate Artistic Director of Barksdale Theatre and Theatre IV, the two companies that merged in 2012 to form Virginia Rep. In 2013, after teaching and directing for SPARC, TheatreVCU and Randolph Macon College, he joined the staff at Collegiate School as Director of Upper School Theatre. Perigard has directed more than 75 plays and musicals for Richmond area theaters.

Virginia Rep will be announcing a number of forums and opportunities to get to know the new leaders, including e-news publications, public forums and various speaking engagements. They’ll be making further announcements soon regarding programming for 2021.