The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society has voted to renew the contract of executive director Laura Penn through 2024.
Penn joined the union in 2008, following a 25-year career working with the League of Resident Theatres. During her tenure as executive director, membership in the SDC has grown 35%, as the union’s jurisdiction has expanded across the country, and Penn has focused on the union’s diversity, inclusion and political engagement.
“The vote to renew Ms. Penn’s position as Executive Director of SDC was unanimous and the support overwhelming. Laura has continued to be an inspired leader over this past decade and an important voice in the industry for more than 30 years,” Pam Mackinnon, president of SDC, said in the press release.
In 2016, the union joined the Department of Professional Employees, AFI-CIO.
Penn is also the co-chair of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guild, a founder of Broadway Salutes, a member of the Tony Awards Administration Committee and a Tony voter.
“Over this past decade we have done great work as a Union and have made tremendous strides to unite, empower, and protect our Members,” Penn said. “I look forward to continuing to navigate the challenges and opportunities for live theatre in the 21st Century.”
