Jonah Greene Announced as The J’s New Director of Arts & Culture

The J announced the appointment of Jonah Greene as its new Director of Arts & Culture. In this role, Greene will oversee The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre, as well as youth arts education programs, further advancing The J’s commitment to enriching the community through diverse arts programming. Greene steps into the role after previous director Keith Wiedenkeller announced his retirement earlier this year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jonah Greene to The J team as our new director of arts & culture,” said Carly Stein, chief operating officer of The J. “Jonah is deeply passionate about building community through the arts, and we are confident his leadership will be a powerful addition to our team. We look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make in the months and years ahead.”

Greene brings extensive experience leading innovative Jewish theatre and arts initiatives. Currently completing his PhD in Theatre at the University of Kansas, Greene has an extensive background in Jewish American theatre, having worked in Kansas, Boston, Jerusalem, and Georgia. His academic research focuses on theatre performed in Jewish communal spaces, and he has published widely on Jewish American performing arts.

“I'm honored to be entrusted with leading the arts & culture department into the future,” Greene said. “I know that this job will be both personally and professionally fulfilling. I'm especially thrilled that I get to work alongside the excellent staff at the J, and to work within an organization with a strong mission and core values.”

The J and The White Theatre leadership teams made the decision after an extensive search.

“We are very excited to have Jonah join our White Theatre team,” said Scott Slabotsky, producer at The White Theatre. “His brilliance, people skills and high energy will enhance the momentum and high standards that were established by Keith Wiedenkeller over the past eight years.”

Since moving to Kansas City more than three years ago, Greene has directed two productions at The White Theatre, including playwright Victor Wishna’s “Tree of Life,” which was awarded the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s “Program of the Year” Award in 2024. His professional experience also includes directing and dramaturgy at professional and community theatres, universities, Jewish Community Centers, synagogues, and Jewish summer camps.

Greene emphasized his excitement about The J and the arts and culture department’s vision and mission to unite the community through the arts.

“I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to produce high-quality arts programming with the goal of bringing community together and celebrating Jewish values, tradition, and culture,” Greene said. “My goal is to have our arts and culture programming reflect the core values of The J: to be welcoming and inclusive to all; celebrate Jewish culture and history; enrich mind, body, and soul; and build community. Nothing brings people together more profoundly than the arts.”

Greene highlighted the strengths of Kansas City’s artistic and Jewish communities.

“Kansas City is a truly special place. The people here are kind, generous, and deeply devoted to the well-being of the community as a whole. The theatre and Jewish communities, in particular, are outstanding. … The theatre artists who work at The White Theatre (directors, designers, performers, crew, and volunteers) are phenomenal, and The White Theatre staff have created an incredible culture. The bar has been set high, and my goal is to continue growing The White Theatre into one of the finest community theatres in the country.”

Greene officially stepped into his role this month. Wiedenkeller’s official last day will be July 5th, and he has agreed to stay on as a contractor to assist with the transition.