Theater Executive Director
Theater Executive Directors oversee all of the theater’s day to day operations to make sure that the theater and its productions run smoothly. Theatre Executive Directors are organizers and entertainers who work to ensure a theatre can operate smoothly in order to bring shows to life. Theatre Executive Directors need to have strong communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills. They also need organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage a budget. A Theatre Executive Director’s responsibilities include managing theatre finances such as payroll and donations, develop and maintain relationships with other theaters and organizations, and other general administrative tasks. They also organize and lead meetings with staff, represent and promote the theatre to the public, and give support to the actors, writers, and directors. Kickstart your career as a Theatre Executive Director may begin with a bachelor’s degree in business administration that will give you the knowledge on how to effectively manage teams of employees and to lead company operations. Job growth is projected at around 4% for the decade ending in 2028.
You should get involved early on the ground floor. You must understand the basics of theatre (or whatever craft you're interested in), even if it seems small or "not enough" at the time.
- Gil Cates Jr., Theater Executive Director