LYRIC STAGE NAMES HOLLYWOOD ACTOR AND DIRECTOR MALCOLM GOODWIN AND BROADWAY VETERAN VICTOR HAWKS AS NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
Under the Leadership of Executive Director Catherine Carpenter Cox, the Dallas Theatre Institution Enters a New Chapter Focused on Artistic Growth, Education and Developing the Next Generation of Talent
November 2, 2026 - DALLAS, TX — Lyric Stage Executive Director Catherine Carpenter Cox has announced the appointment of acclaimed film and television actor and director Malcolm Goodwin and Broadway veteran Victor Hawks as the theatre company's new Co-Artistic Directors. The appointments mark an exciting new chapter for the Dallas-based institution as it builds on more than three decades of celebrating the American musical while introducing new creative opportunities for artists, students and audiences.
Founded in 1993 by Steven Jones, Lyric Stage has earned a distinguished reputation for its professional productions, world premieres and restoration of classic Broadway works. Now in its 33rd season, the organization is looking toward the future with a renewed focus on artistic development, education and expanding its reach throughout Texas and beyond.
For Cox, the appointments are about bringing together artists who understand the importance of theatre while offering the experience and relationships to help the organization grow.
"Steven Jones built something truly special with Lyric Stage, and we have a responsibility to honor what he created while continuing to move the organization forward," said Cox. "Malcolm and Victor have built remarkable careers in entertainment, but what I love most is that theatre is where both of their journeys began. They understand what the stage can mean to an artist, and they share my passion for creating opportunities for the next generation."
FROM HOLLYWOOD AND BROADWAY TO LYRIC STAGE
Goodwin is an award-winning actor, director and producer best known for his roles as Chief Detective Oscar Finlay in Amazon Prime Video's hit series Reacher and Clive Babineaux in The CW's iZombie. His additional credits include The Fall of the House of Usher, American Gangster and Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna. Long before his success in Hollywood, Goodwin discovered his love for performing as a member of the Brooklyn Boys Choir, appearing with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. He went on to study at Julia Richman Talent Unlimited, Ensemble Theatre Community School and SUNY Purchase College's Acting Conservatory, where he earned his BFA in Theatre Arts and Film. His early career included performances on New York stages, including Manhattan Theatre Club, as well as hands-on work designing and building three black box theatres in a church, school and firehouse. His interest in lighting, sound and the technical side of live performance eventually led him into filmmaking and directing. An alumnus of the Warner Bros. Directors' Workshop, Goodwin has continued to work both in front of and behind the camera. His new role at Lyric Stage brings him back to the art form that first inspired his career.
"Theatre is where I first learned how to tell stories and where I discovered that I loved every part of the creative process, not just performing," said Goodwin. "I was building theatres, working with lighting and sound, and learning how everything comes together to create something special for an audience. Being able to return to that world and help create opportunities for other artists is incredibly meaningful to me. Catherine has a great vision for Lyric Stage, and Victor and I are excited to be part of it."
Hawks brings an extensive Broadway background to his new position, having spent nearly a decade performing professionally in some of musical theatre's most celebrated productions. After studying Musical Theatre at The Catholic University of America, Hawks appeared in the original Broadway company of Urinetown the Musical, the 2006 Broadway revival of Les Misérables, South Pacific at Lincoln Center and The Producers national tour. He also performed on the Tony Awards with the casts of Urinetown and South Pacific. Following his Broadway career, Hawks expanded into film and television as an actor, screenwriter, director and producer. His credits include Construction, Pass the Light, Be the Light, Sweet Sweet Summertime and A Christmas in New Hope.
Goodwin and Hawks are also co-founders of Team Vision Entertainment, a production company developing and producing projects across film, television and theatre. Their longstanding creative partnership will now extend to Lyric Stage, where they will work alongside Cox to develop programming, support new works and strengthen the organization's connections to the broader entertainment industry.
"Musical theatre changed the direction of my life," said Hawks. "I know firsthand what happens when someone gives a young performer an opportunity to learn, grow and be part of something bigger than themselves. That's what makes this next chapter so exciting. Lyric Stage already has an incredible history, and we want to build on that by creating great theatre and opening doors for artists who are just beginning their journeys."
CATHERINE CARPENTER COX TAKES THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
The leadership announcement comes as Cox makes her directorial debut with Lyric Stage's production of the beloved musical Godspell, which runs October 16–25, 2026. With its memorable music and themes of faith, friendship, love and community, Godspell offers a fitting reflection of the spirit Cox hopes to bring to the organization. The production also marks a personal milestone for Cox, who has been focused on strengthening Lyric Stage's artistic foundation while developing a long-term plan for its future.
"I believe theatre has a unique ability to bring people together," said Cox. "Whether you're sitting in the audience or standing on the stage, there's something powerful about sharing a story in the same room. That's the experience we want to continue creating at Lyric Stage."
LYRIC STAGE ACADEMY: CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Among the most important initiatives in Lyric Stage's next chapter is the expansion of Lyric Stage Academy, an educational program designed to introduce young people to the performing arts while providing meaningful training and mentorship opportunities. Beginning in 2027, the organization plans to offer classes, workshops and professional development programs covering musical theatre, acting for stage and screen, vocal performance, dance, audition preparation, technical theatre and filmmaking. The Academy will also seek to bring working professionals from Broadway, film and television to Dallas for master classes and mentorship opportunities, giving students access to artists who can share firsthand knowledge of the entertainment industry.
For Cox, the Academy is about more than developing performers. It is about creating a welcoming environment where young people can build confidence, discover their creativity and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
"Not every child who walks through our doors is going to become a Broadway star or a Hollywood actor, and that's okay," Cox explained. "Theatre teaches confidence, discipline, teamwork and how to communicate. Those are skills young people carry with them no matter what they choose to do. We want Lyric Stage to be a place where students feel supported, where they can explore their talents and where they know their voices matter."
Future plans for the Academy include summer intensives, youth productions, mentorship programs and hands-on opportunities that introduce students to careers both onstage and behind the scenes.
BENJAMIN DOAN-STEVENS TO LEAD SCHMIDT & JONES AWARDS
As part of the organization's continued commitment to arts education, Cox has also named Benjamin Doan-Stevens as Director of the Schmidt & Jones Awards. Doan-Stevens, who serves as Lyric Stage's Technical Director, will oversee the high school musical theatre recognition program, helping strengthen relationships with schools, educators and young performers throughout North Texas. The Schmidt & Jones Awards, together with the planned expansion of Lyric Stage Academy, will play an important role in the organization's efforts to identify, celebrate and support emerging talent.
HONORING THE PAST WHILE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, Cox, Goodwin and Hawks are developing plans to broaden Lyric Stage's programming and reach through Children's Theatre, Summer Stock, professional training opportunities, a New Works Lab and master classes featuring nationally recognized artists. Additional priorities include developing new partnerships, welcoming guest performers and creating stronger connections between Dallas-based artists and the entertainment communities in New York and Los Angeles.
The organization is also planning improvements to its digital presence and audience engagement, including a modernized website and expanded social media initiatives. While the plans represent an ambitious period of growth, Cox emphasizes that the organization's history will remain at the center of its mission.
"We're not trying to change what makes Lyric Stage special," said Cox. "We're building on it. Steven Jones created a theatre company with a deep respect for the American musical, and that will always be part of who we are. What Malcolm, Victor and I want to do is make sure Lyric Stage continues to grow, continues to welcome new voices and remains a place where great theatre happens for generations to come."
ABOUT LYRIC STAGE
Founded in 1993 by Steven Jones, Lyric Stage is a professional nonprofit theatre company dedicated to preserving, developing and celebrating the American musical. For more than three decades, the Dallas-based organization has earned recognition for its professional productions, world premieres and restoration of classic Broadway works. Under the leadership of Executive Director Catherine Carpenter Cox and Co-Artistic Directors Malcolm Goodwin and Victor Hawks, Lyric Stage is building on that legacy through innovative programming, arts education and expanded opportunities for theatre artists and audiences throughout North Texas and beyond.
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