Daryl L. Stewart (he/him) is a creator, curator, and performer reshaping the arts and culture landscape through work that amplifies underrepresented narratives and redefines contemporary performance. A pathbreaking artist whose practice spans stage, screen, cabaret, and live performance, Stewart takes full agency of his work—conceiving, directing, producing, and performing projects that blend musical theatre, concert, and immersive storytelling to explore Black history, identity, and culture.
A 2026 Nominee for the prestigious United States Artist Fellowship for Theatre and a 2026 Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow, Stewart's two-decade career is distinguished by his commitment to culturally resonant work. Inspired by multi-hyphenates like Billy Porter, Geoffrey Holder, and André De Shields, he creates dynamic programs and pieces from conception to performance, establishing a distinctive voice in American theatre.
Stewart has conceived and written Hear Him Roar: A Celebration of Black Men in the Arts, Simply Sondheim, and Yellow Brick Road: A Music Revue celebrating The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. He is currently developing a new play exploring local government, set to premiere in 2027. His directing and choreography credits include Step Show: The Musical (Shepherd University/MASS MoCA), Hairspray (UCPAC), The Underground Experience: A Walk Through Black History, Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone, Crowns, Dear Tina: A Love Letter to Tina Turner (Green Room 42/Off-Broadway), and Into the Woods (Vanguard). He has collaborated with leading institutions including Little Island, Paper Mill Playhouse, Disney Theatrical Group, The Johnny Mercer Foundation, MASS MoCA, Newark Museum of Art, Luna Stage, and NJPAC.
As the Inaugural Director of Programs at Newark Arts Council, Stewart oversees the strategic vision and execution of the Newark Arts Festival—the region's largest arts celebration—growing it to unprecedented scale and impact. He made history as the first Visiting Performing Arts Curator at the Newark Museum of Art, setting attendance records through innovative post-pandemic public performances. A dynamic entrepreneur, he is founder and CEO of Daryl Stewart Productions and co-founder of Vanguard Theater Company. His innovative spirit extends to "Broadway in the Bricks," an annual series he hosts and executive produces, selected for the 2024 and 2025 North2Shore Festival.
Stewart's commissioned writing includes work for NJPAC, The Incomplete History of Broadway with The Johnny Mercer Foundation, and iHeartRadio. His accolades include the NJEA Alumni Award of Excellence, a Creative Capital grant, the Eulace E. Peacock Unsung Hero Award, The NYU Wasserman Award for Service in the Arts, and recognition as an Urban League Young Professional Honoree for the Arts. He has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, and ESSENCE.
As a sought-after educator and arts advocate, Stewart teaches musical theatre at Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken and has headlined lectures, panels, and performances at Williams College, Kean University, Monmouth University, and premier performing arts schools across New Jersey. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Marion P. Thomas Charter School and as a creative consultant to multiple arts organizations. Daryl L. Stewart is a graduate of New York University (BA/Professional Certificate) and New York Conservatory for Drama. He is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). He can be reached on social media: @thedarylstewart.
A 2026 Nominee for the prestigious United States Artist Fellowship for Theatre and a 2026 Rockwood Leadership Institute Fellow, Stewart's two-decade career is distinguished by his commitment to culturally resonant work. Inspired by multi-hyphenates like Billy Porter, Geoffrey Holder, and André De Shields, he creates dynamic programs and pieces from conception to performance, establishing a distinctive voice in American theatre.
Stewart has conceived and written Hear Him Roar: A Celebration of Black Men in the Arts, Simply Sondheim, and Yellow Brick Road: A Music Revue celebrating The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. He is currently developing a new play exploring local government, set to premiere in 2027. His directing and choreography credits include Step Show: The Musical (Shepherd University/MASS MoCA), Hairspray (UCPAC), The Underground Experience: A Walk Through Black History, Simply Simone: The Music of Nina Simone, Crowns, Dear Tina: A Love Letter to Tina Turner (Green Room 42/Off-Broadway), and Into the Woods (Vanguard). He has collaborated with leading institutions including Little Island, Paper Mill Playhouse, Disney Theatrical Group, The Johnny Mercer Foundation, MASS MoCA, Newark Museum of Art, Luna Stage, and NJPAC.
As the Inaugural Director of Programs at Newark Arts Council, Stewart oversees the strategic vision and execution of the Newark Arts Festival—the region's largest arts celebration—growing it to unprecedented scale and impact. He made history as the first Visiting Performing Arts Curator at the Newark Museum of Art, setting attendance records through innovative post-pandemic public performances. A dynamic entrepreneur, he is founder and CEO of Daryl Stewart Productions and co-founder of Vanguard Theater Company. His innovative spirit extends to "Broadway in the Bricks," an annual series he hosts and executive produces, selected for the 2024 and 2025 North2Shore Festival.
Stewart's commissioned writing includes work for NJPAC, The Incomplete History of Broadway with The Johnny Mercer Foundation, and iHeartRadio. His accolades include the NJEA Alumni Award of Excellence, a Creative Capital grant, the Eulace E. Peacock Unsung Hero Award, The NYU Wasserman Award for Service in the Arts, and recognition as an Urban League Young Professional Honoree for the Arts. He has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, and ESSENCE.
As a sought-after educator and arts advocate, Stewart teaches musical theatre at Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken and has headlined lectures, panels, and performances at Williams College, Kean University, Monmouth University, and premier performing arts schools across New Jersey. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Marion P. Thomas Charter School and as a creative consultant to multiple arts organizations. Daryl L. Stewart is a graduate of New York University (BA/Professional Certificate) and New York Conservatory for Drama. He is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). He can be reached on social media: @thedarylstewart.
| Acting Resume |
| Directing/Teaching Resume |
| Press Kit |
