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Mara Isaacs

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BIO

With over twenty years of producing experience at flagship theaters in the United States, Mara Isaacs is recognized as a field leader in new play and musical development and production as well as non-profit organizational leadership. She began her professional career at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, where she produced new play development programs and productions from 1990-1995. During that time, she developed a reputation as an advocate for artists and honed her ability to identify and nurture emerging plays and playwrights.



In 1995, Mara joined the McCarter Theatre Center staff, first as Resident Producer and then as Producing Director. For eighteen seasons, she produced McCarter's theater series and play development programs including numerous commissions and productions of new plays and musicals (by Christopher Durang, Edward Albee, Athol Fugard, Emily Mann, ReGina Taylor, Nilo Cruz, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Lydia Diamond, Eric Bogosian, Danai Gurira, Sarah Treem, Will Power and others) and transfers to Broadway (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Translations, Anna in the Tropics, Electra) and off-Broadway (The Brother/Sister Plays, Miss Witherspoon, Crowns), to theaters around the country (Goodman Theatre, Center Theatre Group, La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Rep and others) and internationally (South Africa's Market Theatre). She has collaborated with many directors on new and classic works, including Mary Zimmerman, Des McAnuff, Sam Buntrock, Rebecca Taichman, Lisa Peterson, Emily Mann, Stephen Wadsworth, Gary Griffin, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Mark Lamos, Nicholas Martin, Tina Landau, Garry Hynes, John Doyle and many others. During her tenure, she solidified McCarter's relationship with Princeton University's Lewis Center for the Arts.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2019]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 2016]
Artistic Advisor
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Producing Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
McCarter Theatre Center Producing Director

Videos

News


Producer Hub Welcomes Dani Barlow as Inaugural Programming Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 8, 2025

PRODUCER HUB has named Dani Barlow as the inaugural Programming Director, beginning July 14. Learn more about Barlow and about the role within he company here!
Tony-Winning Producer Mara Isaacs Launches Documentary Anthology I FEEL MYSELF TO BE PART OF SOMETHING
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025

Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs (Hadestown, Gypsy) has announced the launch of I Feel Myself to Be Part of Something, a bold new documentary anthology exploring how the arts shape, uplift, and define communities across the United States.
Photos: REDWOOD Duo Idina Menzel and Tina Landau Honored At New Dramatists Luncheon
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 28, 2025

New Dramatists honored Tina Landau, an award-winning playwright, lyricist, and director (Redwood, Floyd Collins, SpongeBob SquarePants), and Tony Award winner Idina Menzel (Redwood, Wicked, Rent) at its recent spring gala! Check out photos from the event!
Photos: GODDESS Opens at the Public Theater
by Jennifer Broski - May 21, 2025

The Public Theater is now presenting GODDESS, making its New York debut after a world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The production officially opened last night, May 20. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
Photos: Meet the 2025 Tony Award Nominees from Musicals
by Bruce Glikas - May 9, 2025

The 2025 Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York yesterday to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out photos of the 2025 musical nominees here.
2025 Tony Awards- The Nominees React
by Robert Diamond - May 1, 2025

Tonys time is here at last! The nominations for the 78th Annual Tony Awards were announced this morning by Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce. Follow us throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
GYPSY Releases New Block of Tickets
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

A new block of tickets has been released for GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald. Tickets are now on sale through Sunday, October 5, 2025.
2025 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2025

The Drama League announced the 2025 Drama League Awards Nominees for Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Play, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, and the much-coveted Distinguished Performance Award. We have the full list of nominees here!
Photos: HADESTOWN London New Cast in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Feb 27, 2025

Brand new rehearsal photos have been released of the new cast of the critically acclaimed West End production of Hadestown, who will begin performances at the Lyric Theatre, London from 11 March 2025.
Producer Hub Receives One Million Dollars in Funding from the Mellon Foundation
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2025

The Mellon Foundation has awarded Producer Hub funding of one million dollars over the next two and a half years to support the expansion of organizational capacity and programming. Learn more!
Mara Isaacs Launches Octoverse Media, New Multi-Media Platform
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2025

Mara Isaacs, founder of Octopus Theatricals has launched Octoverse Media, a new multi-media platform for the release of music, film, and other multi-media recordings. Learn more!
Photos: Kamala Harris Attends GYPSY and Poses with Audra McDonald and Company
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 18, 2025

Just yesterday, former Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff stopped by the Majectic Theatre to attend the critically acclaimed, sold-out hit musical GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. Check out photos here!
Desmonda Cathabel, Cedric Neal, and More Join HADESTOWN in London
by Stephi Wild - Feb 3, 2025

New casting has been announced for West End production of Hadestown for performances from 11 March 2025. Learn more about the upcoming cast the show here!
HADESTOWN to Be Filmed in London With Original Broadway Stars
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2025

The upcoming West End production of Hadestown will be filmed live at the Lyric Theatre across three performances, next month. The production will star the original Broadway cast!
Full Cast Set For HADESTOWN in London
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

Original cast members of The National Theatre production and the Broadway productions of Hadestown will reprise their roles for a limited run at the Lyric Theatre. Now, the full cast has been announced. Learn more here!
The American Theatre Wing Unveils Recipients of the 2024 National Theatre Company Grants
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 15, 2025

The American Theatre Wing has revealed the recipients of ATW’s National Theatre Company Grants program. Learn more about the recipients and about the program!
Applications Open for Rhinebeck Writers Retreat's 15th Summer of Weeklong Residencies
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 6, 2025

Applications are now open to all musical theatre writers for Rhinebeck Writers Retreat’s summer residencies. Learn more about the residencies and see how to apply.
What Is the Best Broadway Overture Ever?
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 4, 2025

Which Broadway overtures stand out as ovation-worthy? The opinion might be a little bit biased at the Majestic Theatre, but when BroadwayWorld asked the question just last month, the resounding response from the theatre community was the same- Gypsy. 
Video: First Look at Audra McDonald in GYPSY
by Stephi Wild - Dec 19, 2024

The new Broadway revival of GYPSY, starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald as Rose, opens tonight at the Majestic Theatre. Check out all new video footage from the production here! 
HADESTOWN Original Broadway Cast Members Will Join London Production
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2024

Original cast members of the National Theatre production and the Broadway productions of Hadestown will reprise their roles for a limited run at the Lyric Theatre beginning in February, 2025. Get the scoop on who is joining the cast and on how to get tickets.

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