American Conservatory Theater Named Elizabeth Williamson Director
The Berkeley native will leave her post at Geva Theatre to begin leading the San Francisco institution in January.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in People
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The American Conservatory Theater has tapped Berkeley native Elizabeth Williamson to serve as its next artistic director. She replaces Pam MacKinnon, who finished an eight-year tenure at the theater in June.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a transition in leadership for one of the city's premier arts institutions following the departure of Pam MacKinnon. The board conducted a search focused on artistic vision and fundraising capability to secure a permanent successor.
Elizabeth Williamson, 47, takes over after Pam MacKinnon completed an 8-year term. The board search criteria included artistic excellence and fundraising success.
The players
Elizabeth Williamson
A 47-year-old Berkeley native and current artistic director of Geva Theatre who will take the lead role at the theater in January.
Pam MacKinnon
The outgoing artistic director who concluded an eight-year term leading the organization in June.
Andy Chan Donald
The theater staffer who served as the acting artistic director following the vacancy created in June.
The details
The American Conservatory Theater board initiated a search process that prioritized company culture, fundraising, and artistic vision. Williamson, who currently leads Geva Theatre in Rochester, plans to relocate to San Francisco before starting her new position. Andy Chan Donald served as the acting artistic director during the interim period following MacKinnon's departure.
Timeline
June 2026: Pam MacKinnon concluded her eight-year term as artistic director.
October 6, 2026: The appointment of Elizabeth Williamson was officially announced.
January 2027: Elizabeth Williamson begins her tenure.
Across the Bay
The appointment begins a new chapter for the company, moving past the eight-year term of Pam MacKinnon. It follows a board-led search process designed to maintain the theater's historic role in the local arts ecosystem.
Theater patrons can expect to see the results of this new leadership when the company begins its next cycle of programming in 2027. Williamson will be relocating to the city in the months leading up to her start date.
The takeaway
The theater begins a new administration in January as Williamson assumes control of the company's artistic direction. Keep an eye on upcoming season announcements to see how the new director influences the stage lineup in the new year.
Further reading
For more updates on leadership shifts within the city's cultural organizations, visit our San Francisco People section.
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