Deborah Rutter

Trump Floats Hosting Ceremony and Choosing Honorees At First Kennedy Center Meeting
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 18, 2025

President Donald Trump visited the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, presiding over his first board meeting since becoming chairman.

Video: Vice President J.D. Vance Booed Upon Arrival at the Kennedy Center
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 14, 2025

The backlash against the Trump administration's takeover of the Kennedy Center continued this evening, when Vice President J.D. Vance was booed upon his entrance to national arts institution. Watch the video.

Curtains Fall at the Kennedy Center: What Is Trump Doing and Why?
by Rachel Schmaier - Mar 12, 2025

The recent upheaval at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, following President Donald Trump's self-appointment as chairman, has sent shockwaves through the arts community. This unprecedented move has led to significant administrative changes, program cancellations, and a broader debate about the intersection of politics and cultural institutions.

Fox News Personalities Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo Appointed to Kennedy Center Board
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 8, 2025

Donald Trump has appointed two Fox News personalities, Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo, to the board of the Kennedy Center.

Kennedy Center Posts Statement On Program Cancellations Amid 'Misinformation' Concerns
by Joshua Wright - Mar 7, 2025

The Kennedy Center has issued a statement from Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi detailing program cancellations over the last six months. This follows a series of cancellations at the venue, most recently for the upcoming tour stop of Hamilton.

Video: THE LATE SHOW Spoofs 'Trump Kennedy Center' Programming
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

Following the announcement of Hamilton's run at the Kennedy Center being cancelled, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert detailed what shows at the 'Trump Kennedy Center' might look like. Check out the video here!

HAMILTON Withdraws from Kennedy Center Amidst Controversial Trump Leadership
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2025

Hamilton has cancelled its Kennedy Center Engagement due to Trump's takeover of the institution. Learn more about Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center here.

J6, Choir of Men Imprisoned for Jan 6th Involvement, to Perform at the Kennedy Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2025

J6 Prison Choir, which is made up of men previously imprisoned for being involved in the January 6th United States Capitol attack, will perform at the Kennedy Center. Learn more.

400+ Artists Sign Letter Asking NEA to Reverse 'Prejudicial Changes' to Grant Restrictions
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 18, 2025

463 artists have signed a letter to the National Endowment for the Arts asking them to roll back the new measures. Signees reportedly include Pulitzer-winning playwrights Lynn Nottage, Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Paula Vogel. Read the letter in full here.

Industry Pro Newsletter: A Shift in NEA Grants, and the Latest on the Kennedy Center Situation
by Alex Freeman - Feb 18, 2025

This week’s newsletter highlights a range of developments in the theater world, from national funding priorities to local artistic leadership changes and discussions surrounding accessibility.  We'll explore the NEA's focus on celebrating America's history through its 2026 grants, celebrate the artistry of makeup and hair designers at the MUAHS Awards, and examine leadership transitions at the Kennedy Center.  Additionally, we'll spotlight new artistic directors at regional theaters and share Sir Tim Rice's advocacy for increased surtitles in productions, reflecting a broader conversation about making theater more inclusive and engaging for all.

Dancers to Protest Trump Takeover Outside the Kennedy Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2025

BroadwayWorld previously reported that President Trump was elected as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center. Dancers are now protesting Trump's involvement and the  changes at the Kennedy Center. Learn more.

Deborah Rutter Speaks Out Following Kennedy Center Firing
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 16, 2025

Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter was fired as a part of Trump's overhaul of the national cultural institution. Soon after, several high-profile figures resigned from their roles within the Kennedy Center, including Board Treasurer Shonda Rhimes, National Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor Ben Folds, and Artistic Advisor-at-Large Renée Fleming.

Kennedy Center Removes LGBTQ+ Pride Concert Following Trump Takeover
by Joshua Wright - Feb 14, 2025

Amidst administrative shifts, the Kennedy Center has deleted the National Symphony Orchestra's WorldPride 2025 concert from its listings, raising concerns about the impact of the Trump administration on LGBTQ+ cultural events.

Shonda Rhimes, Renée Fleming, and Ben Folds Resign From Kennedy Center Amid Trump Overhaul
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 13, 2025

As BroadwayWorld reported earlier today, President Donald J. Trump has been elected chairman of the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center as part of his plan to overhaul the national cultural institution.

Trump Assumes Chairmanship of Kennedy Center, Rutter Departs as President
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 12, 2025

President Trump has been elected as the chairman of the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center. This change came into effect on Wednesday afternoon, following a vote that marked a significant shift in the governance of one of the nation's premier cultural institutions.

Trump Dismisses Members of Kennedy Center Board and Reveals Plan to Make Himself Chairman
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 7, 2025

The President just announced plans to dismiss multiple members of the Kennedy Center board. According to the Atlantic, they include Democrats Mike Donilon, Karine Jean-Pierre, and Chris Korge. He also writes that he will appoint himself chairman of the board. 

Review: NATIONAL BALLET OF CHINA'S CHINESE NEW YEAR at Kennedy Center
by Emily Berger - Feb 1, 2025

Thus it was with great fanfare and symbolism that the National Ballet of China’s return to the Kennedy Center took place Wednesday, with performances of Chinese New Year, a reimagining of The Nutcracker story. 

Deborah F. Rutter to Step Down as Kennedy Center President at Year’s End
by Joshua Wright - Jan 27, 2025

Deborah F. Rutter will leave her role as president of the Kennedy Center at the end of the year after a decade of leadership marked by expansion, innovation, and pandemic recovery.

Update: National Symphony Orchestra Musicians Strike Over Contract Dispute with Kennedy Center Resolved
by Joshua Wright - Sep 27, 2024

After a brief strike period, the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) leadership have announced they have reached a new 18-month labor agreement with the musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra, AFM Local 616-710.

Photos: Patricia Clarkson, Ronan Farrow, Zac Posen And More Turn Out To Celebrate the Carnegie Hall 2023-24 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 13, 2023

Patricia Clarkson, Ronan Farrow, Zac Posen, Liev Schreiber, and Elizabeth Segerstrom joined Carnegie Hall to celebrate the 2023–2024 season. See photos from the evening.