Johamy Morales Named Artistic Director Of Seattle Children’s Theatre

Seattle Children’s Theatre has named Johamy Morales as its new artistic director, marking a historic and community-rooted milestone as she becomes the first woman of color to lead the organization in its 50-year history. Morales, who has already shaped SCT’s upcoming 2025–26 season, officially begins her tenure bringing award-winning direction, educational leadership, and a deep commitment to youth theatre.

“I am honored and thrilled to lead SCT into the next chapter of artistic excellence, innovative new work, and exceptional theatre education programming,” Morales said. “SCT has been instrumental to my career as a young theatre practitioner whose life was completely transformed through the power of storytelling. I am inspired and motivated to continue impacting the next generation of artists on local, regional, and national platforms by bringing professional theatre experiences to people of all ages.”

Morales began her journey with SCT in 2008 as an education intern, a formative experience that launched her career in theatre. She later served as SCT’s associate artistic director and director of education and engagement, leading innovative programming and national partnerships that expanded SCT’s reach. Most recently, she served as interim artistic director, planning SCT’s upcoming season.

“SCT’s board of trustees feels most fortunate that the best person to lead SCT forward is homegrown talent—Johamy Morales,” said Bryan Kelley, newly appointed SCT board president. “We’ve known and appreciated Johamy for years. More recently, our audiences saw her work in SCT productions Luchadora! and The Snow Queen. Johamy’s artistry and voice will build on SCT’s legacy as a nationwide leader in youth theatre. We could not be happier for Johamy and the future of SCT.”

Morales will oversee the theatre’s artistic programming in partnership with Managing Director Kevin Malgesini and the board of trustees. Her responsibilities include developing new productions, strengthening relationships with artists and the community, and advancing SCT’s commitment to education, access, and equity.

“I could not be more excited to welcome Johamy Morales as our new artistic director,” said Laura Buckland, outgoing SCT board president. “She brings vision, heart, and extraordinary talent to this role. Johamy’s leadership, creativity, and dedication to our community are vital as Seattle Children’s Theatre steps into its next chapter of delivering transformative theater and education to young people.”

“I am thrilled to expand the partnership with Johamy Morales as she takes the helm as artistic director at Seattle Children’s Theatre,” said SCT Managing Director Kevin Malgesini. “Johamy is an award-winning director with a national profile who has shown a deep commitment to SCT and to creating the highest level of theatre for all audiences. In addition to her artistry, she brings a personal understanding of SCT’s mission that is unmatched—from her time as an intern all the way to her new role as artistic director. I know our audiences are in good hands, and I cannot wait to see what she brings to the stage.”

Before returning to SCT, Morales served as education director at Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado and directed the Comparative Arts Department and Junior Musical Theatre Program at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. A 25-year veteran of theatre for young audiences, she is known for her commitment to new work, arts education, and advancing social justice through storytelling.

Seattle Children’s Theatre serves more than 130,000 audience members annually through performances, camps, classes, and community partnerships. Morales’ appointment signals SCT’s continued investment in cultivating visionary artists who will shape its future