Washington, DC—Arena Stage has named Dramatists Guild member Charles Randolph-Wright as the recipient of its 2022 American Artist Award. 

“Charles Randolph-Wright is one of my favorite artists, hands down,” said Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith. “We met when I was wowed by his production of Insurrection at A.C.T. in San Francisco way back in 1998. We immediately connected on a personal and professional level. We trust each other and that’s a rarity in this crazy business. For Arena he has been a playwright and director, and he has directed and produced on Broadway and on television, nationally and internationally. Plus, he’s a terrific filmmaker.”

The American Artist Award is given to artists of the highest caliber with the purpose of honoring their contributions to American theatre. Past awardees include Dramatists Guild members Moisés Kaufman, Sheldon Harnick, Edward Albee, and Robert “Bob” Alexander.

“Arena Stage has been my artistic home for over 20 years,” said Randolph-Wright upon acceptance of his award. “I am proud to be part of a theatre that has been diverse and inclusive since its inception. This award always will remind me of the ultimate love and support I have received through my glorious time here, a place that has emboldened me to try any and everything. I will cherish this honor as much as I cherish this theatre and its extraordinary artistic director, my dear friend Molly Smith, a brilliant force of nature who is a supernova in the arts.”