Today we’d like to introduce you to D. Wambui Richardson
Hi D. Wambui, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Raised in a single-parent household and educated through the public school system, my journey has been shaped by significant challenges, including the death of my mother at age 10 and being raised by my grandmother. Like many Americans, my story is driven by the pursuit of the American Dream. For me, achieving that dream meant becoming a storyteller, a father, and a community stakeholder.
Currently, in my seventh season as Artistic Director of Jubilee Theatre, I am continually inspired by our accomplishments. I am the proud father of two sons, both artists in their own right. With over 25 years of experience in theatre and arts leadership, I bring a wealth of knowledge to Jubilee Theatre and the DFW area, having served as a Director, Playwright, Arts Educator, and Executive Leader.
Previously residing in Baltimore and originally from New Orleans, my career includes roles as a Freelance Director, Resident Teaching Artist for Baltimore Center Stage, and Executive Director of Academies for the National Academy Foundation School of Baltimore. I’ve also worked with the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Abington Theatre, Rattlestick, and Playwrights Theatre.
During my tenure at Jubilee Theatre, we have achieved several significant milestones:
September 4, 2018: Appointed as Artistic Director by the Jubilee Board of Directors. The 2018-2019 season surpassed the previous season’s performance numbers.
Spring 2020: Jubilee Theatre faced a major setback during the COVID-19 pandemic, losing over 30% of its revenue. Despite this, our dedicated team kept the theatre alive with an intricate online production strategy.
August 2021: Celebrated our 40th season with a partnership with Performing Arts Fort Worth, opening “Southern Boys” at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall, serving 5,400 patrons.
2021 – 2022: Launched Season 41, featuring productions like “Fabulation,” “Lil and Satchmo,” “Over Forty,” and “If Pretty Hurts.”
June 2022: Produced the Freedom Music Festival honoring Juneteenth, serving an audience of 10,000.
August 2022: Closed out Season 41 with “Dreamgirls” at Bass Hall, becoming one of Jubilee’s most successful productions, serving 7,800 patrons.
September 2022: Began Season 42 with the theme “Homecoming: More Than Just Theatre.”
December 2022: Took on both roles of Artistic and Managing Director while searching for a new Managing Director, securing over $260,000 in grants and contributions.
February 2023: “Dreamgirls” won the Irma P. Hall Award for Best Musical.
March 2023: Launched the Jubilee Theatre New Works Development Series with a staged reading of “Bread ‘n’ Gravy.”
August 2023: Produced “The Color Purple” at the Fort Worth Arts Center, serving 4,021 patrons.
August 2023: Finalized contract negotiations with Performing Arts Fort Worth/Bass Hall to produce “Sister Act.”
September 2023: Launched our most ambitious season with the world premiere of “Bread ‘n’ Gravy” and three former Broadway productions: “The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin,” “Thoughts of a Color Man,” and “Sister Act.”
March 2024: “The Color Purple” wins Best Director at the Irma P. Hall Awards.
August 2024: Jubilee Theatre achieves record-breaking numbers by producing “Sister Act” in partnership with Performing Arts Fort Worth/Bass Hall.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like all pursuits of growth, our journey has faced its share of challenges. Over the past few seasons, we’ve navigated the evolving structure of our Board, the loss of our former Managing Director, and the complexities of producing theatre in a post-COVID environment. Adjusting to a new Board required openness and adaptability, which we managed through transparent communication, mutual trust, and the developing of a strategic plan that aligns our goals and vision for the organization.
I am excited to announce that we have welcomed our new Managing Director, Ms. Janae Willis-Beard, who brings a wealth of non-profit knowledge and an insatiable eagerness to see Jubilee Theatre thrive. This month marks her one-year anniversary with Jubilee Theatre, and every day I am grateful to call her a partner, colleague, and friend.
Despite the challenges of the past two seasons, including COVID-19, our attendance numbers have not yet returned to their pre-pandemic levels. Audience habits have changed, but we are actively listening to our patrons and developing additional programming to meet their needs and interests.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
There was once a boy, born and raised in the hard yet soulful streets of New Orleans, who at the age of ten witnessed the death of his single-parent mother. Growing up in the 3rd Ward and later the St. Thomas Housing Projects, I became the patriarch of my family before I even had my first kiss. My life could have easily been another statistic, but through theatre, I found the freedom and power behind using words to heal, enlighten, educate, entertain, provoke, inspire, and change.
As an artist, I believe that theatre should and must be a place where thoughts are provoked, and audiences of different mindsets come together to explore the human experience. As the Artistic Director of Jubilee Theatre, I have expanded my beliefs to include partnership, new talent development, and the creation of new works.
In my role, I specialize in creating inclusive and thought-provoking productions that reflect the diverse experiences of our community through a black lens. I am known for my commitment to storytelling that not only entertains but also challenges and inspires. What sets me apart is my dedication to using theatre as a tool for social change and my ability to bring together a wide range of voices and perspectives. This is most evident in our upcoming season 44 line up with productions like Kathy D. Harrison’s, The Movement, Walter Mosley’s, The Fall of Heaven and Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds
I am most proud of the strides we have made at Jubilee Theatre in fostering new talent and developing new works. We have created a space where emerging artists can thrive and where innovative stories can be told. Through our partnerships and strategic planning, we continue to grow and adapt, ensuring that our theatre remains a vital and dynamic part of the community.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Where some might use the word luck, I prefer to say blessed. Luck implies random chances that can be either good or bad, but being blessed means being guided and supported in ways that allow you to receive what God has promised. Though there were times when things seemed dark or impossible, these moments were actually learning opportunities that have brought me to where I am today. Every experience, both positive and negative, has provided me with the wisdom necessary to guide Jubilee Theatre and shape my artistic future.
Pricing:
- Single Flex Pass $180.00- Total of 6 tickets
- Companion Flex Pass $280.00- Total of 12 tickets
- Tri Flex Pass $450.00- Total of 18 tickets
- Quad Flex Pass $560.00- Total of 24 tickets
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JubileeTheatre.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JubileeTheatre
