alumnus and trustee Kenneth Willman ’82, P’15, P’18 and his wife and producing partner, Rosemary, won their third Tony Award when Sunset Blvd. took home Best Revival of a Musical at the 78th Annual Tony Awards. This victory marks their latest achievement in a remarkable theater career that includes previous Tony wins for Hadestown and Parade, along with two Olivier Awards for Come From Away and Dear England.
He began at Puget Sound as a music major before shifting his focus to majoring in economics and political government, with minors in mathematics and music. For students considering a career in the arts, Willman offers practical advice rooted in his own experience.
“Take a basic economics course and a basic accounting course,” he said. “Even if you're pursuing your craft, you're running your own business. You have to manage finances, taxes, and multiple jobs to make ends meet.”
Willman speaks from experience. While he moved away from performance, his chosen career allows him to maintain strong ties to the arts.
“Pursue your passion, but arm yourself with knowledge,” he said. “The arts need both.”
The Willmans, who split their time between Seattle and New York, have co-produced or invested in more than 50 productions on Broadway, London’s West End, and internationally since their first commercial theater investment in 2013. The Willmans co-produced and invested initially on their own through Needle Productions LLC, but in 2023, created “The Array” through which they've formed producing groups. This has given them the opportunity to bring new co-producing partners and investors into the commercial theatre world. Also, the Willmans’ daughter, a New York-based actress, recently became involved in the family business by assisting them on the producing side of the theater industry, including scouting out potential new shows.
“She's learning more about the producing side of the business,” Willman said. “The more flexible you are and the better you understand the business as a whole — whether it's theater, classical music, or jazz — the more likely you'll sustain a career."
For Willman and his wife, it is the power of storytelling that drives their work. Some productions, like Come From Away and Parade, carry important messages, while others simply deliver joy.
“We've been fortunate to tell stories we believe in, and we've made wonderful friends along the way,” he said.
