The Drama League has named two new members to its board of directors. Dana Harrel, vice president of Disneyland Paris Entertainment, and Panney Wei, a founding partner at Harpe Ventures, have joined the board, where they will serve the organization’s mission by providing counsel, support, connections and other services to stage directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dana Harrel and Panney Wei to the Drama League board of directors,” said Bonnie Comley, president of the board, in a statement. “As a Drama League alumna and one of the industry’s most accomplished creative executives, Dana embodies our commitment to innovation and excellence in directing and storytelling. Panney’s groundbreaking work across Broadway, film and cultural entrepreneurship reflects a deep commitment to fostering new voices and expanding the reach of storytelling. Together, they bring invaluable expertise, fresh perspectives and a shared passion for supporting artists that will strengthen the Drama League’s mission and impact for years to come.”
Harrel brings over 20 years of experience in musicals and immersive entertainment to the board of directors. Currently vice president of entertainment at Disneyland Paris, she previously served as an executive creative director with Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment with a focus on Disney cruise lines and theme parks worldwide. Prior to that, Harrel was a producing director at La Jolla Playhouse, participating in the development of productions like “Memphis,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Come From Away” and “Hands on a Hardbody,” and helping to launch the WOW Festival of immersive and interactive art.
Wei is the founder of Harpe Ventures, which has partnered with creatives, producers and chefs to develop projects in the film, theater and hospitality spaces She is a co-producer of the Broadway-bound musical “Working Girl,” based on the 1988 film and featuring music by Cyndi Lauper. Wei has worked with the Producers Guild of America, the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, and previously held equity in a production company responsible for the original Broadway productions of “Matilda,” “Legally Blonde,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Hairspray” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”
In addition, the Drama League has announced the formation of the NextGen Theater Leaders board, which consists of rising professionals and theater advocates devoted to shaping the future of the industry. Board members will work together to raise $100,000 annually to support the Drama League’s Directors Project. The board will also serve as a leadership incubator and professional network for members of the theater industry.
“The future of theater depends on bold leadership,” said Drama League executive director Bevin Ross in a statement. “The NextGen Theater Leaders board is full of rising professionals who recognize that when we invest in directors, we strengthen the entire theatrical ecosystem — from artists and producers to audiences and communities. I am thrilled to have these passionate and committed like minds help us raise the profile of the Directors Project for the betterment of the entire theater community.”
The inaugural cohort of the NextGen Theater Leaders board includes Matt Barbey, John Bautista, Shannon Behrens, Jonathan Castanien, Kate Coffey, Rachel Cox, Nia Fraser, Chloé Gingrich-Howling, Sarah Yejin Hahm, Lauren Haslett, Zachary Hausman, Flora Huang, Jodi Innerfield, Kendra Jain, Matthew Krauss, Julianna McGuirl, Izzy Ochoki, Devi Peot, Frankie Ramirez, Maria Sauer and Dylan Tashjian.
The Drama League has offered various career development opportunities to stage directors at all stages of their careers since its founding in 1916. This includes its comprehensive Directors Project, which offers fellowships, assistantships, residencies and exchange programs to emerging and established stage directors annually.
