Nicholson, who served as the Director of New Works at the California-based company — which produces both in Palo Alto and Mountain View — left the company late last year to begin his new role as the Director of Musical Theatre Development at Playwrights Horizons in Manhattan.

Prior to her arrival at TheatreWorks, McDonough served as the New Works Program Director at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre for two years and spent three seasons as a resident director at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. She has also aided in the development of new works at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Public Theatre, LABryinth Theatre Company, the Women's Project and the Drama League.

"I am honored to be joining artistic director Robert Kelley, and the entire team at TheatreWorks," said McDonough in a statement. "TheatreWorks is known around the country for nurturing and developing new works. I look forward to being a part of this exciting organization and working on this summer's expanded New Works Festival."

McDonough will oversee TheatreWorks' 8th Annual New Works Festival, which launches the 2009-2010 season with the new musical Tinyard Hill. The 2009 New Works Festival also promises workshops of three new musicals and three play readings.

For further information visit TheatreWorks.