Emily Trask Named Artistic Director of Renaissance Theaterworks

Renaissance Theaterworks has announced the appointment of Emily Trask as its new Artistic Director, effective July 13, 2026. Trask succeeds longtime Artistic Director Suzan Fete, whose transformative 33-year tenure shaped RTW into a vital force in Milwaukee's cultural landscape and a nationally recognized leader in advancing women's voices onstage and off.

Under Fete's leadership, RTW grew into a company known for bold storytelling, artistic rigor, and a deep commitment to equity. She guided the organization through decades of growth, shepherded it through the pandemic, and led its successful transition to a permanent home at 255 S. Water Street in Milwaukee's Harbor District.

“Renaissance Theaterworks was born from the belief that women's voices belong at the center of the American stage,” said Fete. “It has been the honor of my life to grow that vision alongside extraordinary artists and audiences. As RTW enters its next chapter, I am filled with gratitude and confidence in its future.”

“From the very beginning, Suzan led with courage, conviction, and an unwavering belief in the power of women's stories,” said Ginny Finn, RTW Board President. “Her work has opened doors for thousands of artists and ensured that RTW remains a place where creativity, equity, and community thrive. We are profoundly grateful for her extraordinary legacy as we look ahead to this next chapter.”

Trask joins RTW from Pacific Conservatory Theatre, where she served as Associate Artistic Director and founded the InterPlay Reading Series to amplify women writers and underrepresented voices. A director, actor, dramaturg, and arts leader, she is known for fostering collaborative, artist-centered environments and aligning community engagement with ambitious programming.

A Wisconsin native, Trask grew up in Manitowoc and began her professional career in Milwaukee, working with Renaissance Theaterworks, Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where she appeared in more than a dozen productions.

“My early professional experiences in Milwaukee contributed significantly to my development as an artist, and I have remained deeply connected to the community throughout my career,” said Trask. “I know and love this city—and I'm ready to eat Kopp's frozen custard on a regular basis again. Renaissance Theaterworks has shaped me profoundly as an artist and leader, showing me early what's possible when women are behind the table. It has been a guidepost for me ever since. I share deep gratitude for the company's visionary founders and for Suzan Fete's bold leadership. It is an incredible legacy to honor and build upon.”

As Artistic Director, Trask will lead RTW's artistic vision and programming, including season selection, production leadership, and new play development initiatives such as the Br!NK New Play Festival. She will also help guide the company's strategic direction and deepen its engagement with artists and audiences across the region. Trask's first season will be announced at a later date.

The appointment follows an eight-month national search led by a committee of board and community members, in partnership with Chartise Clark of Avra Search Partners, a boutique executive search firm specializing in the arts and nonprofit sectors.

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