After founding and then serving for more than three decades as its Artistic Director, Paul Daigneault will step down from his leadership role at SpeakEasy Stage Company on June 30, 2025, SpeakEasy Board Co-Chairs Andrew Fullem and Constance Gist Guindo announced today. The DeVos Institute will soon begin a national search for Mr. Daigneault’s successor.
“Paul Daigneault leaves an indelible mark on this city as an artist, pioneer, educator, mentor, and Boston Theatre champion,” said Fullem. “He has established a legacy of exceptional storytelling and community building that SpeakEasy will continue to embrace and foster in the years to come.”
Added Gist Guindo, “Paul has also dedicated himself to training the next generation of theatre artists and making Boston a sustainable home for local talent to live and work. In addition, he has been an early adopter and outspoken advocate for wide-ranging diversity in all aspects of Boston theatre and beyond.”
Born in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and raised in Sandwich, Paul studied theatre at Boston College before moving to New York City. As a young artist, he found himself unable to advance, as no one was willing to hire him without first seeing his work, and no one was willing to take a chance on an untested director. Before long, Paul realized he would have to create his own opportunities, so he moved back home to Boston to pursue his dream of starting a theatre company. With a few friends from Boston College, Paul founded SpeakEasy Stage Company in the winter of 1992.
Under Daigneault’s artistic leadership, SpeakEasy Stage has produced over 160 theater productions, including 6 world premieres and over 60 musicals. The company’s work has reliably been among the city’s best, frequently taking home top honors at Boston’s annual theatre awards. Critics have praised SpeakEasy not only for the company’s high production values, but also for its commitment to local artists and to works that center community, equality, and social justice.
“My decision to step down comes after careful consideration and planning,” said Daigneault, “and I am proud that I will be leaving SpeakEasy in a position of strength and vitality. The board and I have made significant strides toward ensuring SpeakEasy’s future, including bringing on David Beardsley last July as our first-ever Executive Director. David has strengthened SpeakEasy’s foundation, preparing for a future filled with bold and impactful theatre. And, as the company begins its search for a new artistic leader, I am confident they will find someone who brings their own artistic vision, but shares SpeakEasy’s values and principles.”
“It has been a privilege to work with and learn from one of this city’s premier directors and producers,” said SpeakEasy Executive Director David Beardsley. “In his 30-plus years with SpeakEasy, Paul has built an incredibly strong institution, and the work we will all do over the coming year preparing for this transition will ensure that SpeakEasy remains Boston’s home for bold theatre for decades to come.”
Following his time at SpeakEasy, Paul will relocate to Connecticut, where his husband – the Right Reverend Jeffrey W. Mello — serves as the state’s Episcopal Bishop. They have one son, Ardani.
Paul plans to continue directing, teaching, and visiting all 63 US National Parks.