Michael Gennaro

Michael Gennaro joined Trinity Rep as executive director in February 2007. Most recently he served as president and CEO at Paper Mill Playhouse, where he previously acted as the theater’s executive director and producing artistic director. During his tenure with Paper Mill, he produced over 15 musicals, including the world premiere of the musical Harold and Maude with Estelle Parsons. Prior to joining Paper Mill, Michael was the executive director of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre for seven years where Curt Columbus was associate artistic director. During his tenure there, Steppenwolf won the National Medal of the Arts, produced over 20 world premieres, moved several productions to Broadway, London, Australia, and Ireland and won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest starring Gary Sinise. Michael started out as an actor (Broadway/Off-Broadway) before becoming an entertainment attorney and going on to hold a variety of arts management positions, including managing director of Ford’s Theatre and executive director of Pennsylvania Ballet. Michael is grateful to his two mentors – acclaimed acting teacher, Sandy Meisner and his Tony award winning father, Peter Gennaro. He lives in Providence with his wife, Donna Lee, and their Dalmatian, and they have a son, Brendan.