Meredith McDonough has been named the new artistic director of Providence’s Trinity Repertory Company, a role she will assume in August. McDonough, 50, succeeds Curt Columbus, who led the Tony Award-winning regional theater for two decades and recently directed his final production, “The Roommate.”

McDonough’s appointment follows a national search process that Trinity Rep’s executive director, Katie Liberman, described as “very rigorous and thoughtful.” Liberman praised McDonough’s deep knowledge of theater and her enthusiasm for new plays and community engagement. “She has a true understanding of the scope of the way that theater works—from building a relationship with the community to the development of new plays,” Liberman said, adding that McDonough brings “a true theater nerd quality” coupled with “an inherent quality of joy.”

McDonough is known nationally for championing new plays and musicals, a focus she developed during her tenure at Actors Theatre of Louisville. There, she served as associate artistic director from 2012 to 2019 and contributed as a producer of the Humana Festival of New American Plays, an event dedicated to showcasing emerging playwrights and new works. Her early career included directing internships and mentorship roles, which helped cultivate her passion for training young artists in regional theater.

Raised in southern New Jersey, McDonough’s early years included performing in musicals and listening to Broadway cast albums with her family. A significant turning point came in high school when she underwent vocal surgery after developing nodules and cysts on her vocal cords, which forced her to stop speaking for nearly a year. This experience shifted her focus from performing to directing and stage management. She earned a bachelor’s degree in performance studies from Northwestern University and a Master of Fine Arts in directing from the University of California, San Diego.

McDonough currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, and plans to relocate to Providence this summer with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The move coincides with a major renovation of Trinity Rep’s Chace Theater, part of a $35 million overhaul scheduled for completion by June 2027. The upgraded venue will feature a flexible seating arrangement for up to 575 patrons.

Speaking about her new position, McDonough emphasized her commitment to continuing Trinity Rep’s legacy as a dynamic, sustainable arts organization centered on its company members. She intends to prioritize new play development, fostering collaborative projects, and expanding audience engagement through initiatives such as pre-production readings and open rehearsals.

In addition to her artistic plans, McDonough expressed enthusiasm for joining Providence’s cultural life. She noted her passion for cooking and food exploration as a personal interest that helped her through the pandemic. She also looks forward to gardening, entertaining, and integrating into the local community beyond theater.

“This is a moment for Trinity,” McDonough said. “There’s a new artistic director, a new energy, and there’s this new building that has the possibility to look new every time. I am excited about the opportunity for expansive, creative newness.”