Paula Abreu

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Paula Abreu is the William W. Lockwood Jr. Chair and Director of Presented Programming at McCarter Theatre Center, and an acclaimed curator of live cultural events.

She has built a reputation as a culture pollinator, producing more than 1,500 performances over the past decade, including numerous U.S. premieres, and advancing innovative arts presenting across nonprofit institutions such as Lincoln Center, Central Park SummerStage, the Red Hot Organization, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

Since joining McCarter in 2022, Abreu has expanded the theater’s artistic reach and community engagement while advancing its commitment to creative diversity.

Her programming has introduced Abreu’s international perspective is informed by her M.A. in Performing Arts Administration from New York University and her work as a speaker, juror, and mentor at global arts conferences.

Her career reflects a sustained commitment to artistic innovation, inclusion, and the evolving role of cultural presenters.