My story

 
 

my most valuable experience…

…was serving as Artistic Director of the award-winning Creede Repertory Theatre (named “one of the state’s top 5 theatre companies” and “legendary” by The Denver Post) from 2012-2019. Why? Because it was the best of all possible laboratories to test and learn many methods of growing, sustaining, and managing a nonprofit arts organization. Before my time as Artistic Director, I served as resident composer, guest director, actor, and publications editor. I also served on the boards of the Creede Community Foundation and many other community organizations. Rural economic development became a passion of mine. I learned how the arts, recreation, and heritage can drive tourism and sustainability in a rural economy. Before my adventure in Creede, I worked for Wells Fargo Bank Private Client Services and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

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during my time as artistic director…

  • Received a Henry Award for Outstanding Colorado Theatre 2015

  • Grew the Headwaters New Play Program, formalizing CRT’s long-standing commitment to new work. Produced 6 world premiere productions, 7 new play festivals, & 12 world premiere commissions for young audiences. Headwaters produces an annual new play festival, offers playwright retreats, commissions new works, supports company-generated work, and guides plays to full production on CRT stages

  • Managed a company of 9 year-round staff & 90 seasonal employees, including Marketing and Communications Department

  • Directed over 20 productions and special events for CRT

  • Increased annual budget from $1.3M to $1.69M (51% earned income, 49% contributed)

  • Doubled funding for Educational programming and students reached (24K to 60K) and created summer internship program partnering with multiple universities

  • CRT’s first Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion plan and major leaps in ongoing diversification of company and programming, along with initiatives to help our audiences understand these changes

  • Helmed a “living-document” strategic planning processes encompassing rolling 3-year strategies for all major programs and departments.

  • Comprehensive artistic vision, communication and documentation of vision throughout organization and industry, with non-urban theatre social justice strategy.

  • Produced three major Galas

  • Founded successful mission-driven programs: Boomtown Improv and Pants on Fire: A Totally Made Up Musical for Kids

  • Negotiated contracts with three unions: AEA (LOA/LORT D), USA, SDC

  • Represented CRT at multiple TCG National Conferences and Fall Forum (helmed a lab at the 2018 National Conference on The Unique Social Justice Opportunities of Rural & Remote Theatres)

  • Became an associate member of National New Play Network and partner to National Winter Playwrights Retreat

  • Received recognition and grants from NEA, Shubert, Schramm, Anschutz, Hitchcock, Boettcher, El Pomar, DOLA, USDA, CO Creative Industries, Exxon, Pfizer, and numerous family foundations.

  • Sustained majority of contributed income from wide base of individual giving

  • Awarded funding from El Pomar Foundation to attend Center for Creative Leadership, an intensive for non-profit leaders on change management, leadership, and self-assessment.

  • Mentored many college students and young professionals and taught workshops around the country.

  • Commissioned “Rep: A Documentary” a film by Allison Quiller about the CRT 2018 season

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