DC Theater Art is closely following the story of Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif‘s departure from Arena Stage. This is an ongoing story, and we will release information as it is made available. On June 27, Arena Stage released the following statement regarding Hana Sharif’s departure from Arena Stage: “Hana S. Sharif publicly announced her decision to step down as Artistic Director of Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, effective June 30, 2026. The Board of Trustees is grateful for her contributions over the last three years and wishes her well in her future endeavors. “Arena Stage remains steadfast in our collective commitment to sharing the transformative power of theater with audiences in our nation’s capital and focusing on the theater’s next 75 years. This fall, the Board of Trustees will begin planning for an Artistic Director search as part of a larger strategic planning process. “Arena Stage will continue to be led by Edgar Dobie, President and Executive Producer, who joined Arena Stage in 2009, and a first-class senior management team. Arena Stage will move forward with Act I of the planned 2026/27 season and will engage an artistic advisor to work with Dobie and the artistic team on season planning for Act II and the following season.” — On June 26, just hours before the opening night of CrazySexyLove: The TLC Musical, the New York Times broke the news that Sharif had submitted her letter of resignation, a copy of which was obtained by DC Theater Arts. DC Theater Arts published that letter on June 26. It can be read in full here. This is a developing story. SEE ALSO:Read the full resignation letter from Arena Stage Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif(news story, June 26, 2023) ...read more read less