Theater News

Drama Desk Elects Charles Wright as Its Newest President

Isa Goldberg steps down from her four-year tenure in the executive post.

Charles Wright has been elected the newest President of the Drama Desk.
Charles Wright has been elected President of the Drama Desk.

The Drama Desk has announced the election of Charles Wright as its newest president, succeeding Isa Goldberg, who steps down after four years in office. Wright officially took his post at the Drama Desk's annual membership meeting, which was held Nov. 12 at the Travel Inn on West 42nd Street. Goldberg, who will remain on the Drama Desk Board as a member at large, introduced Wright as her successor during the meeting.

A longtime Drama Desk member, Wright has served as the organization's treasurer and second vice president of its board of directors. His writings about theater and books have been seen in various print and online publications, including the TheaterMania Guide to Musical Theater Recordings, nine editions of the Best Plays Theater Yearbook, and nearly 100 program notes for the York Theatre Company’s popular series Musicals in Mufti.

"I’m proud to have been part of the Drama Desk for a number of years and it’s an honor to be asked to serve in this capacity," said Wright. "I look forward to working with Drama Desk colleagues to find new ways that we may exchange critical views and become better acquainted with the work and diverse perspectives of our membership."

Outgoing President Isa Goldberg added, "As treasurer for The Drama Desk, Charles Wright has demonstrated sound judgment. His knowledge of the literary canon as well as stage craft, along with his awareness of new developments in New York theater, will serve our organization well."

Founded in 1949, the Drama Desk is an organization of professional theater writers, editors, critics, and columnists who cover all areas of professional theater in the greater New York area, including Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off Broadway, and not-for-profit theaters. The 60th Annual Drama Desk Awards will be presented in May 2015.