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- Hanover Theatre & Conservatory seeks Vice President, Programming & Production
Organization
Since opening in 2008, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts has entertained more than three million guests with Broadway musicals, comedy headliners, music, dance, and more. Pollstar consistently ranks The Hanover Theatre as one of the top theatres in the world. The award-winning historic theatre continues to establish its place as a world-class center for the performing arts and is one of the premier cultural institutions across New England. Located in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, The Hanover Theatre’s facilities include the beautifully restored Main Stage, BrickBox Theater and PopUp Gallery (located at the adjacent Jean McDonough Art Center), plus additional function spaces, rehearsal rooms, offices, conservatory classrooms and studios, and an outdoor plaza.
As The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts approaches its 20th year, its vision is clear: serve as Greater Worcester’s bold, inclusive, and innovative performing arts destination where creativity flourishes, diverse voices thrive, and transformative experiences connect and uplift our community. From a wide range of first-class programming to professional training and educational experiences, the company’s focus is on enriching lives, fostering understanding, and actively supporting Worcester’s growth as a vibrant cultural destination. All of the work serves diverse audiences that include artists, students, creative economy workers, and downtown partners by activating its venues, community relationships, and exceptional people to amplify artistic voices and create pathways from education to the professional stage.
The Mainstage is a beautiful, Broadway-style house seating 2,300. Recent and upcoming programming on the Main Stage includes: seven Broadway touring shows in a subscription series (including MEXODUS direct from its award-winning New York run); Jerry Seinfeld; a new, world-class dance subscription series (Dance Theatre of Harlem, Martha Graham, Ballet Hispanico); Boston Pops; and original, self-produced shows including productions of A Christmas Carol, and Nutcracker.
The Hanover Theatre Conservatory opened in 2017 and reaches more than 20,000 young people each year through educational and access programs, and more than 600 students of all ages have participated in more than 90 classes in acting, dance, music, and technical theatre production.
The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep) was founded in 2020 as a professional producing arm of the company, focusing on classics, modern classics, and classics-inspired works. THT Rep produces and presents these works at the 250-seat BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. Recent and upcoming THT Rep programming includes Doubt: A Parable, Romeo and Juliet, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and FAT HAM.
The Francis R. Carroll Plaza (Plaza) provides an outdoor venue for various performances, public art pieces, and community events. In addition to touring artists, The Youth Acting Company performs on the Plaza for the community each year.
Most recently, as part of its continued expansion into producing and presenting new works, The Hanover Theatre has developed and optioned for Broadway a new play by award-winning playwright Jamie Wax, “HIGH RISK WARD.” It has also collaborated with other nonprofit theatres and commercial producers across the country to bring new shows to New England and to expand THT Rep programming to new markets.
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory has a 30-member board of directors led by Board Chair Elissa Boisvert, Esq. The Vice President, Programming & Production, oversees a department with approximately nine full-time staff in addition to numerous part-time staff and independent contractors.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Hanover Theatre & Conservatory anticipates total revenues of approximately $11.2 million with $9.6 million from ticket sales and program services; $1.2 million from contributions and grants; and $0.4 million from investment and other income. The organization has donor restricted net assets of approximately $2.5 million, with $1 million designated specifically for the Conservatory. The 1926 Legacy Society, named to commemorate the opening of the historic Poli Palace Theatre, is a group of devoted supporters who have included The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory in their estate plans to ensure that it will continue to fulfill its cultural mission for generations to come.
Community
Located in the heart of Central Massachusetts, Worcester is a growing mid-sized New England city of more than 200,000 residents, known for its diversity, civic pride, and central location in the Commonwealth. As the second-largest city in Massachusetts, it offers the scale and amenities of a regional urban center while maintaining a strong sense of community and accessibility.
The city stands out for the diversity of its population and the breadth of communities that shape its civic and cultural life. Recent demographic data indicate that Worcester’s population is approximately 49% White non-Hispanic, 25% Hispanic or Latino, 12% Black, and 7% Asian, a mix that makes the city notably more diverse than many communities in the broader region. Worcester County as a whole is less diverse than the city itself, but it continues to reflect meaningful racial, ethnic, and linguistic variety, with Hispanic or Latino residents representing roughly 14% of the county population and foreign-born residents accounting for about 13%.
The city has evolved from its manufacturing roots into a regional center for education, healthcare, biotechnology, and the life sciences. Worcester’s historic architecture, established neighborhoods, and new mixed-use development reflect a community that values both preservation and forward-looking growth.
Worcester is home to a remarkable concentration of higher education institutions, with more than 35,000 students enrolled across the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Assumption University, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester State University, and Quinsigamond Community College. Nearby communities extend this academic ecosystem through institutions such as Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Nichols College, contributing to a broader regional network of students, faculty, researchers, and professional talent.
This educational presence helps support a dynamic economy and a highly educated workforce, with strength across healthcare, research, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and related industries. Worcester’s location, approximately 40 miles from both Boston and Providence, provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas while offering a more manageable and generally more affordable lifestyle than many larger Northeast cities.
The city’s cultural and recreational landscape is equally strong. Worcester is home to other major arts and entertainment institutions, including Mechanics Hall, the Palladium, the DCU Center, Polar Park (home of the AAA Woosocks), and the Worcester Art Museum, all of which contribute to an active year-round calendar of performances, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, games, and civic events.
Public art, neighborhood business districts, and an expanding mix of restaurants, markets, and gathering places add to Worcester’s appeal. Residents also enjoy access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation throughout the region, while nearby Wachusett Mountain offers four-season activity, including skiing in winter.
Sources: edited from worcesterchamber.org; censusreporter.org; worcesterma.gov; wbjournal.com; uphomes.com
Position Summary
The Vice President, Programming & Production will serve as The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s chief programmer and artistic curator, shaping the creative identity, commercial vitality, and audience experience across its stages. As one of the organization’s lead content strategists, this individual will source, evaluate, negotiate, book, produce, and program a dynamic mix of Broadway engagements, original theatrical productions, touring shows, concerts, comedy, special events, and mission aligned work that drives sales, expands audiences, and strengthens the theatre’s artistic profile.
In close partnership with the President & CEO, senior leadership team, and The Hanover Theatre Repertory, (THT Rep), the Vice President will develop and implement a cohesive, forward looking programming strategy that balances artistic ambition with financial sustainability. They will cultivate relationships with agents, producers, and touring partners; assess market trends; and build seasons that elevate visibility, deepen community impact, and support both earned and contributed revenue.
Overseeing the full arc of programmed content, from concept and curation through contracting, budgeting, marketing alignment, and production execution, they will ensure that every event is delivered with excellence, creativity, and a high standard of service. In collaboration with the production, operations, and other internal partners, this leader will also oversee the technical and logistical infrastructure that brings each artistic choice to life while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and artistic ambition.
Roles and Responsibilities
Program Vision, Strategy, and Implementation
• Develop, implement, and financially evaluate a balanced, marketable, and diverse programming strategy for the Main Stage, Jean McDonough Arts Center (BrickBox Theater and PopUp Gallery), student matinees, Broadway, and other Hanover Theatre & Conservatory events, ensuring alignment with earned revenue goals and audience demand.
• Engage with Broadway co-promoters, producers, touring companies, presenters, promoters, artists, and organizations to secure high-quality bookings and partnerships, with attention to market viability and revenue potential.
• Negotiate contracts, license agreements, budgets, and financial settlements for mainstage events, ensuring financial terms support sustainable earned-revenue outcomes.
• Collaborate with operations, marketing/communications, finance, senior leadership, and visiting partners to ensure effective planning, marketing, budgeting, and implementation, integrating revenue considerations into programming decisions.
• Cultivate local, regional, national, and international relationships that support diverse, accessible, and financially sound programming.
• Convene internal and external stakeholders to develop equitable programs, consistent programming practices, and marketable annual seasons.
• Embrace other program vision, strategy, and implementation responsibilities as needed.Strategic Planning, Operational Implementation, and Community Engagement
• Participate actively as a senior leadership team member and principal partner to the President and CEO, advancing long-term strategy, operational effectiveness, institutional priorities, and community impact.
• Provide strategic oversight of production operations, ensuring resources, staffing, labor relationships, and technical execution align with programming goals.
• Supervise the proper preparation, maintenance, and operation of production facilities, events, and the Wurlitzer Organ in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Develop capital equipment, facility upgrade, budgeting, staffing, and growth plans in collaboration with the President & CEO and other senior staff.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, Board, senior leadership team, city officials, Downtown Business District stakeholders, audiences, artists, and community partners to strengthen the theatre’s relevancy, vibrancy, reach, and impact.
• Identify and maximize earned revenue and growth opportunities, including merchandise concessions, rentals, production services, additional properties, programs, partnerships, and new revenue streams.
• Supervise communications with external producing and presenting partners, including technical rider review, issue identification, and problem-solving.
• Support the company’s equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility initiatives.
• Embrace other strategic planning, operational implementation, and community engagement responsibilities as needed.Team Leadership, Collaboration, and Oversight
• Oversee programming staff, production teams, show creative and design teams, independent contractors, vendors, and union crews.
• Create, implement, and enforce facility policies, processes, and procedures for internal teams and visiting performers, promoters, and partners.
• Administer touring show load-ins and in-house original productions, alongside productions from the THT Rep and the Conservatory.
• Maintain positive labor relations and ensure adherence to collective bargaining, legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Lead production meetings, team assessments, mentoring, accountability measures, and performance-improvement processes.
• Innovate production workflows to support high-volume programming and sustainable workload planning.
• Monitor and approve payroll for programming and production staff and independent contractors.
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging goals.
• Embrace other team leadership, collaboration, and oversight responsibilities as needed.External Relations and Advancement
• Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory programming in collaboration with the President & CEO, Board, and senior leadership team.
• Support advancement efforts, including capital campaigns, annual giving, memberships, corporate sponsorships, grants, and other contributed revenue opportunities.
• Develop program narratives, objectives, and budgets for sponsorships and funding proposals in collaboration with the development, marketing/communications, and finance teams.
• Build and maintain relationships that support future philanthropic, civic, governmental, and community engagement.
• Support the President & CEO in relationships with the City of Worcester and other government partners.
• Engage Downtown Business District stakeholders, artists, audiences, and community partners.
• Embrace other external relations and advancement responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Vice President, Programming & Production will be a resourceful, intellectually curious, and intentional leader who brings a balanced blend of artistic insight and operational discipline. Energized by practical results and continuous learning, this individual will identify artistic opportunities that advance the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s mission while making decisions grounded in financial realities, organizational priorities, and audience demand. A people oriented collaborator, the Vice President, Programming & Production will build rapport across the community, staff, board, and partners, fostering trust, engagement, and shared purpose. With a versatile and competitive spirit, this leader will adapt to changing circumstances, communicate with clarity and consistency, listen with intention, and demonstrate the assertiveness and judgment required in a dynamic environment. Centered in humility and driven by strategic ambition, the Vice President, Programming & Production will motivate others, model diplomacy and emotional intelligence, and maintain a visible commitment to the community.
Other key competencies include:
• Negotiation – The ability to listen to many points of view and facilitate agreements between two or more parties.
• Conceptual Thinking – The capacity to analyze hypothetical situations, patterns, and abstract concepts to identify connections, generate new insights, and support thoughtful decision-making.
• Customer Focus – The commitment to anticipate and exceed customer needs with urgency, responsiveness, and strong relationships.
• Goal Orientation – The tenacity to achieve inspirational and attainable goals while building trust and demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and organize a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Skills – The capability to build rapport, demonstrate a sincere interest in others, and effectively communicate and relate well to people.
• Leadership and Teamwork – The adeptness to organize and motivate others to accomplish goals while creating a sense of order, direction, and active participation among a variety of stakeholders.Qualifications
A bachelor’s advanced degree and eight to 10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience in programming and production, within the performing arts or creative industries, are highly desirable. Experience in fast paced environments with strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and time management abilities, and the capacity to oversee multiple staff, projects, and priorities is important. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, event booking, AudienceView (or similar ticketing and service), production technologies, facilities oversight, and related software is useful, as is familiarity with financial processes, including show settlements, contract to settlement workflows, and co production risk management.
Demonstrated success in engaging effectively with ticket buyers, donors, strategic partners, artists, producers, presenters, and community stakeholders is invaluable. Strong relationships with promoters, booking agents, and the APAP network are advantageous. Knowledge of Equity, IATSE, SDC, and other union negotiation processes is vital. The role also calls for the ability to work weekday, evening, and weekend hours as needed; move throughout a multi level venue and office environment; and perform core functions for extended periods.
If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education, we encourage you to apply and highlight those areas.
Compensation and Benefits
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary in the range of $135,000 to $150,000. Benefits include vacation, sick time, and holidays; subsidized (75%) medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); life, short-term, and long-term disability insurances; a voluntary 401(k) plan with up to 5% match; and complimentary parking and tickets. The organization provides tax-free reimbursement for certain qualified medical expenses through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees and dependents enrolled in the Health New England HMO Thrive and PPO Thrive group health plans are eligible to enroll in the HRA, and this benefit’s premium is fully paid by the organization. The Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave benefits are also available.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/hanover-theatre-conservatory-seeks-vice-president-programming-production/
The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- The Gamm Theatre seeks Executive Director
Organization
The Gamm Theatre is a leading New England professional theatre known for its epic yet intimate productions and commitment to storytelling that challenges and inspires audiences across Rhode Island and beyond. Heading into its 42nd season, The Gamm is one of the region’s premier professional theaters and a cultural asset that has been producing theater since its founding in 1984. Its mission is to tell stories that entertain, provoke, and engage seriously with the most important issues of our time, while further serving the public through educational programming that enriches the cultural and civic life of the community.
The theatre presents an eclectic season of exciting new works and classics made to feel new, drawing on the talent of local and visiting artists. Its productions are designed to use an intimate performance space to engage, provoke, and entertain audiences while addressing important issues of the present moment and across time. This intimate, actor-centered stage is a destination for critically acclaimed productions, including world and regional premieres, and has received several Elliot Norton Awards from the Boston Theater Critics Association, among other professional recognitions, and is defined by bold choices and close-up performances. Deeply appreciated by the Rhode Island arts community and its patrons, The Gamm repeatedly sells out shows while offering audiences exciting off-stage engagement.
The Gamm’s history began in 1984, when seven graduates of Trinity Rep Conservatory formed an artist collective called Alias Stage and began performing in abandoned mill buildings in Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood. In 1994, the company moved to Providence’s Jewelry District, where its reputation grew for quality acting, challenging plays, and vivid Shakespeare productions. In 1998, the theater was renamed The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre in honor of the late arts educator and supporter. The company later relocated to an annex of the historic Pawtucket National Guard Armory, where it performed for 15 seasons before moving in 2018 to its current home in Warwick.
The theatre’s home provides a newly renovated venue with more seating, greater comfort, and expanded potential for artists and audiences. The 21,000-square-foot building includes a 2,850-square-foot black box theater with 185 seats. The Gamm’s season runs from September to June, offering audiences across Southern New England, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Greater Boston, and beyond, access to professional theater in an intimate setting. The Gamm is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association as a proud member of New England Area Theatres.
Gamm Education is an essential part of the organization’s mission, engaging students across the region and introducing them to the power of theater. For nearly 20 years, The Gamm’s education department has brought theater into classrooms across the region through partnerships with schools, teachers, and students. Its programs include in-school residencies, student matinees, vacation camps, Gamm Studio and Gamm Studio Jr. classes, and community programs designed to build the next generation of theater artists, audiences, advocates, and engaged citizens.
Through programs such as Gamm on the Go, a Shakespeare residency program that collaborates with schools and community organizations across the state, The Gamm extends its educational and community impact. With professional performances, post-show discussions, classroom residencies, study guides, and flexible program models, Gamm on the Go provides students with access to theatrical experiences that engage their creative and civic minds. Additional programs and opportunities include student matinees, camps, classes, community forums, youth usher opportunities, and the Gamm Fellowship Program for emerging artists of color in partnership with Rhode Island’s public institutions of higher education.
The Gamm has an 18-member Board of Directors led by Board President Miriam Weizenbaum. The Executive Director has six direct reports, including the Director of Operations and Administration, the Director of Annual Giving and Strategic Communications, the Director of Marketing and Design, the Institutional Giving and Stewardship Manager, the Bookkeeper, and the Director of Education and Community Programs, and reports to the Board of Directors. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, The Gamm reported a total revenue of $2.7 million, with 41% from earned revenue sources, 55% from contributed income, and 4% from other revenue sources. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, The Gamm’s operating budget is $2.5 million, with 48% from earned revenue sources and 52% from contributions.
Sources: edited from gammtheatre.org; propublica.org
Community
Rhode Island offers an exceptional quality of life shaped by coastal beauty, historic communities, cultural activity, and regional accessibility. Known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of coastline, and all residents live within a 30-minute drive of the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay. With an estimated 2025 population of 1,114,521, the state combines the scale and connectivity of a compact region with the amenities of a much larger cultural and economic center. Rhode Island residents are well educated, with 89.7% of adults age 25 and older holding a high school diploma or higher and 37.7% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Providence and Newport anchor two of Rhode Island’s most distinctive regional identities. Providence, the state capital and largest city, is a civic, cultural, and economic hub with waterfront access, highways, rail lines, and proximity to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Newport, founded in 1639, is recognized for its coastal setting, architecture, waterfront, arts, hospitality, and connection to nine coastal communities that share a rich New England history and strong sense of place. Together with the surrounding suburbs of both cities, these communities create a highly connected environment for residents who value cultural experiences, coastal recreation, historic character, neighborhood life, and access to the full breadth of Rhode Island’s civic and visitor amenities.
The theatre’s home, Warwick, Rhode Island, is a welcoming coastal city that combines historic villages, regional accessibility, cultural activity, and abundant waterfront amenities. Warwick continues to invest in a resilient, connected, and forward-looking future, and Visit Rhode Island highlights Warwick as an ideal home base in the heart of the Ocean State, only 10 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island’s vital, exciting cultural capital, and a half-hour drive from historic Newport and beautiful South County beaches. In this coastal and civic setting, Warwick offers the character of an established Rhode Island community with the energy of a city actively shaping its future, an ideal home for people who value waterfront access, historic villages, public spaces, cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection.
Sources: edited from providenceri.gov; discovernewport.org; ri.gov; census.gov; visitri.com; warwickri.gov
Position Summary
The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of The Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) as a regional leader in professional theater. They will serve as The Gamm’s senior administrative and strategic leader, overseeing daily operations, stewarding finances, supervising staff, co-leading with the Artistic Director, and partnering closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen the theatre’s foundation and advance its mission. This person will guide all administrative and operational functions, including operations, staff leadership, financial management, facilities, education, marketing, development, and community partnerships, to ensure alignment with organizational goals and long term sustainability.
A dynamic, community minded ambassador, the Executive Director will bring strong communication skills, collaborative leadership, and sound financial judgment to the theatre’s internal and external work. This leader will strengthen donor and foundation relationships, support fundraising strategy, and build partnerships that expand The Gamm’s visibility and civic impact. In close collaboration with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director will help advance an artistic vision that is entertaining, aesthetically powerful, civically engaged, and provocative, while ensuring decisions are grounded in financial realities, organizational priorities, and audience needs. They will champion The Gamm’s role as a cultural asset for Rhode Island and the region, deepen engagement with stakeholders, and cultivate the relationships and resources essential to the theatre’s long term success.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
• Build greater donor engagement and community support for a shared vision for the future of The Gamm, in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director, and its patrons.
• Generate and implement inspiring and effective plans, goals, and strategies that advance the organization’s purpose and mission, whilst navigating its real-world challenges.
• Guide planning processes that strategically support organizational focus, sustainability, artistic vitality, and community impact.
• Embrace other strategic leadership and planning responsibilities as needed.Financial Management and Sustainability
• Ensure that The Gamm’s financial resources are managed wisely, responsibly, and in alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee professional and accurate budgeting and accounting systems.
• Warrant that appropriate financial controls and risk-management strategies are in place to protect the organization’s assets.
• Supervise and implement financial planning that positions The Gamm to achieve its goals, advance its strategic plan, and build a financial reserve.
• Partner with staff and Board leadership to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Embrace other financial management and sustainability responsibilities as needed.Fundraising and Development
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, Development Committee, and appropriate staff to develop, implement, and track fundraising systems and strategies.
• Advance fundraising efforts that enable The Gamm to meet its contributed revenue goals and support operations, programs, and strategic priorities.
• Secure major gifts and cultivate new prospective donors across individual, corporate, foundation, government, and community sectors.
• Strengthen development practices that support donor engagement, institutional sustainability, and mission advancement.
• Build a shared strategy to align fundraising strategies with the organization’s financial needs and long-term goals.
• Embrace other fundraising and development responsibilities as needed.
Organizational Management
• Provide overall leadership for the day-to-day operations of The Gamm, ensuring that staff, systems, and resources are supported and aligned with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with staff to develop, maintain, and use effective systems that support the successful operation of each department.
• Guide and develop Marketing, Education, Operations, and Development personnel in ways that strengthen collaboration, accountability, and performance.
• Build staff capacity through coaching, clear communication, professional development, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Strengthen organizational practices that continue to advance diversity in all its forms—equity, inclusion, and representation across staff, Board, artists, audiences, and community relationships.
• Foster a productive, mission-driven workplace culture that advances the objectives of the strategic plan.
• Embrace other organizational management responsibilities as needed.Board Relations and Governance
• Serve as part of The Gamm’s leadership team with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors, supporting a strong and effective governance partnership.
• Develop and maintain a productive working relationship with the Board, grounded in shared information, mutual trust, and clear communication.
• Ensure that Board members have the information and context needed to effectively carry out their governance responsibilities.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with Board members, drawing on their talents, experience, expertise, and resources to advance The Gamm’s success.
• Engage the Board as valued partners in the organization’s operations, financial affairs, and long-term sustainability.
• Embrace other board relations and governance responsibilities as needed.Community Engagement and Partnerships
• Serve as a spokesperson and public face for The Gamm, representing the organization with clarity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Promote the organization’s mission, programs, impact, and role in the community.
• Advocate for The Gamm’s mission and work with key constituents and stakeholder groups.
• Build and sustain relationships with community partners, political and civic leaders, patrons, donors, artists, and other stakeholders critical to the organization’s success.
• Strengthen The Gamm’s visibility, relevance, and community connection through thoughtful engagement and partnership development.
• Embrace other community engagement and partnerships responsibilities as needed.Artistic Collaboration
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to develop strategies that support and advance The Gamm’s artistic vision.
• Champion an artistic vision that builds on and expands the theatre’s established role as a leader in producing entertaining, aesthetically powerful, civically engaged, and provocative art.
• Shape and implement plans that align artistic priorities with The Gamm’s strategic goals, including building a financial reserve and pursuing the purchase of a long-term home for The Gamm.
• Align with the Artistic Director to ensure that artistic ambition, financial sustainability, and organizational strategy are mutually reinforcing.
• Embrace other artistic collaboration responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Executive Director will be a resourceful, instinctive, and receptive leader who brings practical judgment, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit to advance The Gamm’s mission. Strategic and visionary, they will be able to see both immediate needs and long-term possibilities, connecting people, programs, resources, and ideas in ways that strengthen organizational direction and institutional impact. Driven by results, they will maximize the value of time, talent, energy, and resources while remaining open to new ideas, methods, and opportunities. With an ability to draw upon experience, intuition, and knowledge-seeking, the Executive Director will navigate complex and competitive environments with confidence, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They will be comfortable engaging frequently with diverse stakeholders, building trust across the Board, staff, artists, patrons, donors, civic partners, and community members. Accessible, transparent, and empathetic, the Executive Director will listen actively, welcome input, and translate ideas and concerns into clear action. A versatile and unifying leader, they will adapt quickly to change, encourage shared ownership, support others generously, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and collective success.Other key competencies include:
• Self Starting – The motivation to take initiative, begin work independently, identify priorities, and propel progress without prompting, while demonstrating drive, discipline, and determination in achieving results.
• Personal Accountability – The willingness to self-evaluate, learn from mistakes, take responsibility for personal actions and decisions, accept setbacks, look for ways to progress, and understand how obstacles impact results.
• Flexibility and Leadership – The ability to organize and motivate others to accomplish goals and the agility and adaptability to embrace and implement change when needed.
• Teamwork – The integrity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of team members and to make team objectives a priority.
• Planning and Organizing – The dexterity to navigate traditional systems while forming realistic action plans that prioritize work, assess variables and risks, allow for recalibration, lead to increased efficiency, and minimize wasted resources.Qualifications
Experience in the management of nonprofit organizations is required, with experience in a nonprofit theater organization preferred. Five to 10 years of senior leadership experience is highly desirable, preferably in an organization that has experienced growth or expanded its organizational capacity, visibility, and philanthropic support. Demonstrated fundraising experience is essential, including major gifts, donor cultivation, development planning, and building relationships across individual, corporate, foundation, government, and community sectors. Experience fostering a culture of philanthropy, identifying and cultivating new prospective donors, and supporting increased giving through thoughtful planning and relationship-building is necessary. The successful candidate will be an organization builder with experience managing staff and demonstrated knowledge of growing capacity, strengthening systems, and aligning financial resources with strategic priorities. Strong leadership skills, financial management experience, strategic thinking, business acumen, and well-developed interpersonal and networking abilities are essential, along with knowledge of public relations and marketing, organizational planning, human resource management, and nonprofit management practices. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary, as is the ability to work effectively with the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, donors, artists, patrons, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Compensation and Benefits
The Gamm offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including an annual salary range of $125,000 to $140,000. Benefits include medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, dental insurance through Delta Dental of Rhode Island, a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3% of salary, an Employee Assistance Program, vacation, personal days, sick days, bereavement leave, and 12 paid holidays. For eligible employees, The Gamm pays 80% of the individual medical and dental premiums, with employees responsible for 20% of the individual premium and 100% of family coverage. Employees who waive medical coverage may receive a stipend of $250 per month, or $3,000 annually.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-gamm-theatre-seeks-executive-director/
It is the policy of The Gamm to guarantee every applicant for employment; and every employee, the right of equal treatment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, or veteran status. In recruiting and selecting employees, it is the policy of The Gamm to further the principles of equal employment opportunity by seeking talented and competent persons who are suited for a specific position by reason of training, experience, character, personality, intelligence, and general ability.
- A Building Is Not An Institution
Good Morning,
Modernization was supposed to sand the world down to one global culture. The evidence says otherwise: under pressure, people tend to sharpen their differences rather than surrender them (Psyche).
Which is useful context for the day’s buildings. The Kennedy Center is technically open — doors unlocked, staff at their posts — and nearly empty, a marble shell deactivated (Washington Post), even as a federal panel rules Trump’s name stays off it while appeals proceed (The Guardian). In London, four theatres have landed on the at-risk register (Evening Standard).
Ukraine, mid-war, is issuing its troops a handbook on protecting cultural property (The Art Newspaper), an army writing into doctrine that what it defends isn’t just territory. The competition that discovered Gustavo Dudamel declined to award a first prize this year (Moto Perpetuo).
Finally: those “witch marks” on historic English buildings might have been exaggerated. Two preservation societies may have been embellishing (The Guardian). Sometimes they’re just walls sans magic.
All of our stories below.
- What’s The Deal With The Second Season Audience Drop On Netflix?
“Between confusing release schedules, binge releases, long gaps between seasons and the regular flood of new content making it difficult for any new release to stand out, Netflix’s scale is quickly becoming its own worst enemy.” – The Wrap (MSN)
- Does Worldwide Modernization Lead To Reduction In Cultural Differences? Not Necessarily
“When researchers have actually tried to document the size of cultural differences over time, the picture is far more complicated – and more interesting.” – Psyche
ISSUES
- Have Two English Preservation Societies Been Exaggerating About ‘Witch Marks’ On Old Buildings?
One architectural historian might go even farther: “Anything on a stone building that looks like a design gets picked up as these damn things now. There’s absolutely no evidence they were ever used like that.” – The Guardian (UK)
- Artist Mickalene Thomas Sued For Copyright Infringement
“Mickalene Thomas, an artist known for her popular paintings and photo-based installations centering Black women, is facing a lawsuit from the photographer Barbara Karant, who alleges that Thomas used her pictures without attribution or permission in works that appeared at an array of museums and blue-chip galleries.” – ARTnews
- British Businessman Fined In First Russia Art Sanctions Conviction
“The U.K. banned the export of luxury items such as cars, jewelry, art, and antiques valued over £250 ($330) to Russia in April 2022. Breaching the law is considered a criminal offense,” but the businessman was fined $37,000 instead. – Artnet
- Kahlo Foundation Creates A New Prize For Emerging Mexican Artists
“Through the process of opening the museo and welcoming the globe into Frida’s world, there has been one constant refrain: Más amor, más família, más Mexico – more love, more family, more Mexico,” said the artist’s grandniece. – ARTnews
- NYC’s New Museum Finds Its New Director In-House
“Ending months of speculation, the New Museum said today that it has selected Massimiliano Gioni, its artistic director, to be its next director. Gioni has been with the New York standby since 2006, and will take the helm in August. Its previous leader, Lisa Phillips, announced her retirement last September.” – Artnet
MEDIA
- Will The Kennedy Center Survive This ‘Open,’ Empty Time?
“What’s left has the air of a ghost ship, as the center’s board prepares to reconsider to what degree the building will remain open. The Kennedy Center declined to comment.” – Washington Post
- Smithsonian Chief Rebuts Trump Administration Report Accusing American History Museum Of Extremism
In a staff-wide email, Lonnie Bunch wrote that “there will always be room for improvement,” but the report “is not a fair characterization of … the National Museum of American History. At the Smithsonian, our work is driven by scholarship, accuracy, and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America’s story.” – The Washington Post
- Ukrainian Troops Get Handbook On Protecting Cultural Property
“The handbook sets out Ukrainian soldiers’ main obligations under international humanitarian law, the different levels of protection afforded to cultural property, the precautions to be integrated into operational planning, and the procedures for identifying, reporting and documenting attacks against heritage.” – The Art Newspaper
- Trump’s Name Must Stay Off Kennedy Center While Appeals Proceed, Rules Panel
“A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia circuit … rejected the administration’s argument that the removal was damaging the arts institution’s finances.” – The Guardian
- Aboard A Cruise Ship With 20 Celebrity Impersonators
“Near the exit, with his blue eyes and sensible sandals, was Boy George, who swanned over to double-cheek kiss Sharon, then peck the forehead of Martha Stewart, and — skipping over Jeff Bezos — the tip of Fran Drescher’s nose. Sinatra (A), by the banquette, had just politely pumped the hand of Sinatra (B) …” – N+1
MUSIC
- Emily Wilson Knows From Angry ‘Odyssey’ Bros
“Wilson’s translations of The Odyssey and The Iliad are some of the best-known pieces of contemporary translation, and they’ve turned the University of Pennsylvania professor into both a star and a specter of controversy.” – Vulture
- Man Sentenced For Theft Of Rare Chinese Manuscripts From UCLA Library
Jeffrey Ying, a 39-year-old resident of Fremont, Cal., gets a year of house arrest and three years of probation for a scheme in which he reserved and checked out, under false names, several 17th-century manuscripts, then returned fake dummy copies. – San Francisco Chronicle (Yahoo!)
- The UK’s New Children’s Laureate Is Neither White Nor Dead
Patrice Lawrence “has a practical vision for her laureateship. ‘To change policy you need evidence,’ she says. ‘We say stories work, let’s show how they work.’” – The Guardian (UK)
- In Pamplona With The Bulls As Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” Turns 100
“Hemingway is etched into the landscape of Pamplona. Hotels and bars have busts of him or signs up that he was once there. Outside the Pamplona bull ring, … a huge banner hangs in honor of the novel, including a quote that shows how the festival left the writer speechless.” – AP
- How The Dynasties Of Imperial China Wrote Their Histories (It’s Complicated)
The Emperors’ courts did, in fact, document their history carefully, according to a procedure which was followed more-or-less faithfully from the first century BCE onward. That’s not to say that the result was either comprehensive or impartial. – Aeon
PEOPLE
- Hanover Theatre & Conservatory seeks Vice President, Programming & Production
Organization
Since opening in 2008, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts has entertained more than three million guests with Broadway musicals, comedy headliners, music, dance, and more. Pollstar consistently ranks The Hanover Theatre as one of the top theatres in the world. The award-winning historic theatre continues to establish its place as a world-class center for the performing arts and is one of the premier cultural institutions across New England. Located in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, The Hanover Theatre’s facilities include the beautifully restored Main Stage, BrickBox Theater and PopUp Gallery (located at the adjacent Jean McDonough Art Center), plus additional function spaces, rehearsal rooms, offices, conservatory classrooms and studios, and an outdoor plaza.
As The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts approaches its 20th year, its vision is clear: serve as Greater Worcester’s bold, inclusive, and innovative performing arts destination where creativity flourishes, diverse voices thrive, and transformative experiences connect and uplift our community. From a wide range of first-class programming to professional training and educational experiences, the company’s focus is on enriching lives, fostering understanding, and actively supporting Worcester’s growth as a vibrant cultural destination. All of the work serves diverse audiences that include artists, students, creative economy workers, and downtown partners by activating its venues, community relationships, and exceptional people to amplify artistic voices and create pathways from education to the professional stage.
The Mainstage is a beautiful, Broadway-style house seating 2,300. Recent and upcoming programming on the Main Stage includes: seven Broadway touring shows in a subscription series (including MEXODUS direct from its award-winning New York run); Jerry Seinfeld; a new, world-class dance subscription series (Dance Theatre of Harlem, Martha Graham, Ballet Hispanico); Boston Pops; and original, self-produced shows including productions of A Christmas Carol, and Nutcracker.
The Hanover Theatre Conservatory opened in 2017 and reaches more than 20,000 young people each year through educational and access programs, and more than 600 students of all ages have participated in more than 90 classes in acting, dance, music, and technical theatre production.
The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep) was founded in 2020 as a professional producing arm of the company, focusing on classics, modern classics, and classics-inspired works. THT Rep produces and presents these works at the 250-seat BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. Recent and upcoming THT Rep programming includes Doubt: A Parable, Romeo and Juliet, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and FAT HAM.
The Francis R. Carroll Plaza (Plaza) provides an outdoor venue for various performances, public art pieces, and community events. In addition to touring artists, The Youth Acting Company performs on the Plaza for the community each year.
Most recently, as part of its continued expansion into producing and presenting new works, The Hanover Theatre has developed and optioned for Broadway a new play by award-winning playwright Jamie Wax, “HIGH RISK WARD.” It has also collaborated with other nonprofit theatres and commercial producers across the country to bring new shows to New England and to expand THT Rep programming to new markets.
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory has a 30-member board of directors led by Board Chair Elissa Boisvert, Esq. The Vice President, Programming & Production, oversees a department with approximately nine full-time staff in addition to numerous part-time staff and independent contractors.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Hanover Theatre & Conservatory anticipates total revenues of approximately $11.2 million with $9.6 million from ticket sales and program services; $1.2 million from contributions and grants; and $0.4 million from investment and other income. The organization has donor restricted net assets of approximately $2.5 million, with $1 million designated specifically for the Conservatory. The 1926 Legacy Society, named to commemorate the opening of the historic Poli Palace Theatre, is a group of devoted supporters who have included The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory in their estate plans to ensure that it will continue to fulfill its cultural mission for generations to come.
Community
Located in the heart of Central Massachusetts, Worcester is a growing mid-sized New England city of more than 200,000 residents, known for its diversity, civic pride, and central location in the Commonwealth. As the second-largest city in Massachusetts, it offers the scale and amenities of a regional urban center while maintaining a strong sense of community and accessibility.
The city stands out for the diversity of its population and the breadth of communities that shape its civic and cultural life. Recent demographic data indicate that Worcester’s population is approximately 49% White non-Hispanic, 25% Hispanic or Latino, 12% Black, and 7% Asian, a mix that makes the city notably more diverse than many communities in the broader region. Worcester County as a whole is less diverse than the city itself, but it continues to reflect meaningful racial, ethnic, and linguistic variety, with Hispanic or Latino residents representing roughly 14% of the county population and foreign-born residents accounting for about 13%.
The city has evolved from its manufacturing roots into a regional center for education, healthcare, biotechnology, and the life sciences. Worcester’s historic architecture, established neighborhoods, and new mixed-use development reflect a community that values both preservation and forward-looking growth.
Worcester is home to a remarkable concentration of higher education institutions, with more than 35,000 students enrolled across the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Assumption University, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester State University, and Quinsigamond Community College. Nearby communities extend this academic ecosystem through institutions such as Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Nichols College, contributing to a broader regional network of students, faculty, researchers, and professional talent.
This educational presence helps support a dynamic economy and a highly educated workforce, with strength across healthcare, research, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and related industries. Worcester’s location, approximately 40 miles from both Boston and Providence, provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas while offering a more manageable and generally more affordable lifestyle than many larger Northeast cities.
The city’s cultural and recreational landscape is equally strong. Worcester is home to other major arts and entertainment institutions, including Mechanics Hall, the Palladium, the DCU Center, Polar Park (home of the AAA Woosocks), and the Worcester Art Museum, all of which contribute to an active year-round calendar of performances, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, games, and civic events.
Public art, neighborhood business districts, and an expanding mix of restaurants, markets, and gathering places add to Worcester’s appeal. Residents also enjoy access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation throughout the region, while nearby Wachusett Mountain offers four-season activity, including skiing in winter.
Sources: edited from worcesterchamber.org; censusreporter.org; worcesterma.gov; wbjournal.com; uphomes.com
Position Summary
The Vice President, Programming & Production will serve as The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s chief programmer and artistic curator, shaping the creative identity, commercial vitality, and audience experience across its stages. As one of the organization’s lead content strategists, this individual will source, evaluate, negotiate, book, produce, and program a dynamic mix of Broadway engagements, original theatrical productions, touring shows, concerts, comedy, special events, and mission aligned work that drives sales, expands audiences, and strengthens the theatre’s artistic profile.
In close partnership with the President & CEO, senior leadership team, and The Hanover Theatre Repertory, (THT Rep), the Vice President will develop and implement a cohesive, forward looking programming strategy that balances artistic ambition with financial sustainability. They will cultivate relationships with agents, producers, and touring partners; assess market trends; and build seasons that elevate visibility, deepen community impact, and support both earned and contributed revenue.
Overseeing the full arc of programmed content, from concept and curation through contracting, budgeting, marketing alignment, and production execution, they will ensure that every event is delivered with excellence, creativity, and a high standard of service. In collaboration with the production, operations, and other internal partners, this leader will also oversee the technical and logistical infrastructure that brings each artistic choice to life while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and artistic ambition.
Roles and Responsibilities
Program Vision, Strategy, and Implementation
• Develop, implement, and financially evaluate a balanced, marketable, and diverse programming strategy for the Main Stage, Jean McDonough Arts Center (BrickBox Theater and PopUp Gallery), student matinees, Broadway, and other Hanover Theatre & Conservatory events, ensuring alignment with earned revenue goals and audience demand.
• Engage with Broadway co-promoters, producers, touring companies, presenters, promoters, artists, and organizations to secure high-quality bookings and partnerships, with attention to market viability and revenue potential.
• Negotiate contracts, license agreements, budgets, and financial settlements for mainstage events, ensuring financial terms support sustainable earned-revenue outcomes.
• Collaborate with operations, marketing/communications, finance, senior leadership, and visiting partners to ensure effective planning, marketing, budgeting, and implementation, integrating revenue considerations into programming decisions.
• Cultivate local, regional, national, and international relationships that support diverse, accessible, and financially sound programming.
• Convene internal and external stakeholders to develop equitable programs, consistent programming practices, and marketable annual seasons.
• Embrace other program vision, strategy, and implementation responsibilities as needed.Strategic Planning, Operational Implementation, and Community Engagement
• Participate actively as a senior leadership team member and principal partner to the President and CEO, advancing long-term strategy, operational effectiveness, institutional priorities, and community impact.
• Provide strategic oversight of production operations, ensuring resources, staffing, labor relationships, and technical execution align with programming goals.
• Supervise the proper preparation, maintenance, and operation of production facilities, events, and the Wurlitzer Organ in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Develop capital equipment, facility upgrade, budgeting, staffing, and growth plans in collaboration with the President & CEO and other senior staff.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, Board, senior leadership team, city officials, Downtown Business District stakeholders, audiences, artists, and community partners to strengthen the theatre’s relevancy, vibrancy, reach, and impact.
• Identify and maximize earned revenue and growth opportunities, including merchandise concessions, rentals, production services, additional properties, programs, partnerships, and new revenue streams.
• Supervise communications with external producing and presenting partners, including technical rider review, issue identification, and problem-solving.
• Support the company’s equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility initiatives.
• Embrace other strategic planning, operational implementation, and community engagement responsibilities as needed.Team Leadership, Collaboration, and Oversight
• Oversee programming staff, production teams, show creative and design teams, independent contractors, vendors, and union crews.
• Create, implement, and enforce facility policies, processes, and procedures for internal teams and visiting performers, promoters, and partners.
• Administer touring show load-ins and in-house original productions, alongside productions from the THT Rep and the Conservatory.
• Maintain positive labor relations and ensure adherence to collective bargaining, legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Lead production meetings, team assessments, mentoring, accountability measures, and performance-improvement processes.
• Innovate production workflows to support high-volume programming and sustainable workload planning.
• Monitor and approve payroll for programming and production staff and independent contractors.
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging goals.
• Embrace other team leadership, collaboration, and oversight responsibilities as needed.External Relations and Advancement
• Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory programming in collaboration with the President & CEO, Board, and senior leadership team.
• Support advancement efforts, including capital campaigns, annual giving, memberships, corporate sponsorships, grants, and other contributed revenue opportunities.
• Develop program narratives, objectives, and budgets for sponsorships and funding proposals in collaboration with the development, marketing/communications, and finance teams.
• Build and maintain relationships that support future philanthropic, civic, governmental, and community engagement.
• Support the President & CEO in relationships with the City of Worcester and other government partners.
• Engage Downtown Business District stakeholders, artists, audiences, and community partners.
• Embrace other external relations and advancement responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Vice President, Programming & Production will be a resourceful, intellectually curious, and intentional leader who brings a balanced blend of artistic insight and operational discipline. Energized by practical results and continuous learning, this individual will identify artistic opportunities that advance the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s mission while making decisions grounded in financial realities, organizational priorities, and audience demand. A people oriented collaborator, the Vice President, Programming & Production will build rapport across the community, staff, board, and partners, fostering trust, engagement, and shared purpose. With a versatile and competitive spirit, this leader will adapt to changing circumstances, communicate with clarity and consistency, listen with intention, and demonstrate the assertiveness and judgment required in a dynamic environment. Centered in humility and driven by strategic ambition, the Vice President, Programming & Production will motivate others, model diplomacy and emotional intelligence, and maintain a visible commitment to the community.
Other key competencies include:
• Negotiation – The ability to listen to many points of view and facilitate agreements between two or more parties.
• Conceptual Thinking – The capacity to analyze hypothetical situations, patterns, and abstract concepts to identify connections, generate new insights, and support thoughtful decision-making.
• Customer Focus – The commitment to anticipate and exceed customer needs with urgency, responsiveness, and strong relationships.
• Goal Orientation – The tenacity to achieve inspirational and attainable goals while building trust and demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and organize a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Skills – The capability to build rapport, demonstrate a sincere interest in others, and effectively communicate and relate well to people.
• Leadership and Teamwork – The adeptness to organize and motivate others to accomplish goals while creating a sense of order, direction, and active participation among a variety of stakeholders.Qualifications
A bachelor’s advanced degree and eight to 10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience in programming and production, within the performing arts or creative industries, are highly desirable. Experience in fast paced environments with strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and time management abilities, and the capacity to oversee multiple staff, projects, and priorities is important. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, event booking, AudienceView (or similar ticketing and service), production technologies, facilities oversight, and related software is useful, as is familiarity with financial processes, including show settlements, contract to settlement workflows, and co production risk management.
Demonstrated success in engaging effectively with ticket buyers, donors, strategic partners, artists, producers, presenters, and community stakeholders is invaluable. Strong relationships with promoters, booking agents, and the APAP network are advantageous. Knowledge of Equity, IATSE, SDC, and other union negotiation processes is vital. The role also calls for the ability to work weekday, evening, and weekend hours as needed; move throughout a multi level venue and office environment; and perform core functions for extended periods.
If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education, we encourage you to apply and highlight those areas.
Compensation and Benefits
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary in the range of $135,000 to $150,000. Benefits include vacation, sick time, and holidays; subsidized (75%) medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); life, short-term, and long-term disability insurances; a voluntary 401(k) plan with up to 5% match; and complimentary parking and tickets. The organization provides tax-free reimbursement for certain qualified medical expenses through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees and dependents enrolled in the Health New England HMO Thrive and PPO Thrive group health plans are eligible to enroll in the HRA, and this benefit’s premium is fully paid by the organization. The Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave benefits are also available.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/hanover-theatre-conservatory-seeks-vice-president-programming-production/
The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- The Gamm Theatre seeks Executive Director
Organization
The Gamm Theatre is a leading New England professional theatre known for its epic yet intimate productions and commitment to storytelling that challenges and inspires audiences across Rhode Island and beyond. Heading into its 42nd season, The Gamm is one of the region’s premier professional theaters and a cultural asset that has been producing theater since its founding in 1984. Its mission is to tell stories that entertain, provoke, and engage seriously with the most important issues of our time, while further serving the public through educational programming that enriches the cultural and civic life of the community.
The theatre presents an eclectic season of exciting new works and classics made to feel new, drawing on the talent of local and visiting artists. Its productions are designed to use an intimate performance space to engage, provoke, and entertain audiences while addressing important issues of the present moment and across time. This intimate, actor-centered stage is a destination for critically acclaimed productions, including world and regional premieres, and has received several Elliot Norton Awards from the Boston Theater Critics Association, among other professional recognitions, and is defined by bold choices and close-up performances. Deeply appreciated by the Rhode Island arts community and its patrons, The Gamm repeatedly sells out shows while offering audiences exciting off-stage engagement.
The Gamm’s history began in 1984, when seven graduates of Trinity Rep Conservatory formed an artist collective called Alias Stage and began performing in abandoned mill buildings in Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood. In 1994, the company moved to Providence’s Jewelry District, where its reputation grew for quality acting, challenging plays, and vivid Shakespeare productions. In 1998, the theater was renamed The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre in honor of the late arts educator and supporter. The company later relocated to an annex of the historic Pawtucket National Guard Armory, where it performed for 15 seasons before moving in 2018 to its current home in Warwick.
The theatre’s home provides a newly renovated venue with more seating, greater comfort, and expanded potential for artists and audiences. The 21,000-square-foot building includes a 2,850-square-foot black box theater with 185 seats. The Gamm’s season runs from September to June, offering audiences across Southern New England, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Greater Boston, and beyond, access to professional theater in an intimate setting. The Gamm is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association as a proud member of New England Area Theatres.
Gamm Education is an essential part of the organization’s mission, engaging students across the region and introducing them to the power of theater. For nearly 20 years, The Gamm’s education department has brought theater into classrooms across the region through partnerships with schools, teachers, and students. Its programs include in-school residencies, student matinees, vacation camps, Gamm Studio and Gamm Studio Jr. classes, and community programs designed to build the next generation of theater artists, audiences, advocates, and engaged citizens.
Through programs such as Gamm on the Go, a Shakespeare residency program that collaborates with schools and community organizations across the state, The Gamm extends its educational and community impact. With professional performances, post-show discussions, classroom residencies, study guides, and flexible program models, Gamm on the Go provides students with access to theatrical experiences that engage their creative and civic minds. Additional programs and opportunities include student matinees, camps, classes, community forums, youth usher opportunities, and the Gamm Fellowship Program for emerging artists of color in partnership with Rhode Island’s public institutions of higher education.
The Gamm has an 18-member Board of Directors led by Board President Miriam Weizenbaum. The Executive Director has six direct reports, including the Director of Operations and Administration, the Director of Annual Giving and Strategic Communications, the Director of Marketing and Design, the Institutional Giving and Stewardship Manager, the Bookkeeper, and the Director of Education and Community Programs, and reports to the Board of Directors. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, The Gamm reported a total revenue of $2.7 million, with 41% from earned revenue sources, 55% from contributed income, and 4% from other revenue sources. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, The Gamm’s operating budget is $2.5 million, with 48% from earned revenue sources and 52% from contributions.
Sources: edited from gammtheatre.org; propublica.org
Community
Rhode Island offers an exceptional quality of life shaped by coastal beauty, historic communities, cultural activity, and regional accessibility. Known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of coastline, and all residents live within a 30-minute drive of the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay. With an estimated 2025 population of 1,114,521, the state combines the scale and connectivity of a compact region with the amenities of a much larger cultural and economic center. Rhode Island residents are well educated, with 89.7% of adults age 25 and older holding a high school diploma or higher and 37.7% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Providence and Newport anchor two of Rhode Island’s most distinctive regional identities. Providence, the state capital and largest city, is a civic, cultural, and economic hub with waterfront access, highways, rail lines, and proximity to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Newport, founded in 1639, is recognized for its coastal setting, architecture, waterfront, arts, hospitality, and connection to nine coastal communities that share a rich New England history and strong sense of place. Together with the surrounding suburbs of both cities, these communities create a highly connected environment for residents who value cultural experiences, coastal recreation, historic character, neighborhood life, and access to the full breadth of Rhode Island’s civic and visitor amenities.
The theatre’s home, Warwick, Rhode Island, is a welcoming coastal city that combines historic villages, regional accessibility, cultural activity, and abundant waterfront amenities. Warwick continues to invest in a resilient, connected, and forward-looking future, and Visit Rhode Island highlights Warwick as an ideal home base in the heart of the Ocean State, only 10 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island’s vital, exciting cultural capital, and a half-hour drive from historic Newport and beautiful South County beaches. In this coastal and civic setting, Warwick offers the character of an established Rhode Island community with the energy of a city actively shaping its future, an ideal home for people who value waterfront access, historic villages, public spaces, cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection.
Sources: edited from providenceri.gov; discovernewport.org; ri.gov; census.gov; visitri.com; warwickri.gov
Position Summary
The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of The Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) as a regional leader in professional theater. They will serve as The Gamm’s senior administrative and strategic leader, overseeing daily operations, stewarding finances, supervising staff, co-leading with the Artistic Director, and partnering closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen the theatre’s foundation and advance its mission. This person will guide all administrative and operational functions, including operations, staff leadership, financial management, facilities, education, marketing, development, and community partnerships, to ensure alignment with organizational goals and long term sustainability.
A dynamic, community minded ambassador, the Executive Director will bring strong communication skills, collaborative leadership, and sound financial judgment to the theatre’s internal and external work. This leader will strengthen donor and foundation relationships, support fundraising strategy, and build partnerships that expand The Gamm’s visibility and civic impact. In close collaboration with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director will help advance an artistic vision that is entertaining, aesthetically powerful, civically engaged, and provocative, while ensuring decisions are grounded in financial realities, organizational priorities, and audience needs. They will champion The Gamm’s role as a cultural asset for Rhode Island and the region, deepen engagement with stakeholders, and cultivate the relationships and resources essential to the theatre’s long term success.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
• Build greater donor engagement and community support for a shared vision for the future of The Gamm, in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director, and its patrons.
• Generate and implement inspiring and effective plans, goals, and strategies that advance the organization’s purpose and mission, whilst navigating its real-world challenges.
• Guide planning processes that strategically support organizational focus, sustainability, artistic vitality, and community impact.
• Embrace other strategic leadership and planning responsibilities as needed.Financial Management and Sustainability
• Ensure that The Gamm’s financial resources are managed wisely, responsibly, and in alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee professional and accurate budgeting and accounting systems.
• Warrant that appropriate financial controls and risk-management strategies are in place to protect the organization’s assets.
• Supervise and implement financial planning that positions The Gamm to achieve its goals, advance its strategic plan, and build a financial reserve.
• Partner with staff and Board leadership to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Embrace other financial management and sustainability responsibilities as needed.Fundraising and Development
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, Development Committee, and appropriate staff to develop, implement, and track fundraising systems and strategies.
• Advance fundraising efforts that enable The Gamm to meet its contributed revenue goals and support operations, programs, and strategic priorities.
• Secure major gifts and cultivate new prospective donors across individual, corporate, foundation, government, and community sectors.
• Strengthen development practices that support donor engagement, institutional sustainability, and mission advancement.
• Build a shared strategy to align fundraising strategies with the organization’s financial needs and long-term goals.
• Embrace other fundraising and development responsibilities as needed.
Organizational Management
• Provide overall leadership for the day-to-day operations of The Gamm, ensuring that staff, systems, and resources are supported and aligned with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with staff to develop, maintain, and use effective systems that support the successful operation of each department.
• Guide and develop Marketing, Education, Operations, and Development personnel in ways that strengthen collaboration, accountability, and performance.
• Build staff capacity through coaching, clear communication, professional development, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Strengthen organizational practices that continue to advance diversity in all its forms—equity, inclusion, and representation across staff, Board, artists, audiences, and community relationships.
• Foster a productive, mission-driven workplace culture that advances the objectives of the strategic plan.
• Embrace other organizational management responsibilities as needed.Board Relations and Governance
• Serve as part of The Gamm’s leadership team with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors, supporting a strong and effective governance partnership.
• Develop and maintain a productive working relationship with the Board, grounded in shared information, mutual trust, and clear communication.
• Ensure that Board members have the information and context needed to effectively carry out their governance responsibilities.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with Board members, drawing on their talents, experience, expertise, and resources to advance The Gamm’s success.
• Engage the Board as valued partners in the organization’s operations, financial affairs, and long-term sustainability.
• Embrace other board relations and governance responsibilities as needed.Community Engagement and Partnerships
• Serve as a spokesperson and public face for The Gamm, representing the organization with clarity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Promote the organization’s mission, programs, impact, and role in the community.
• Advocate for The Gamm’s mission and work with key constituents and stakeholder groups.
• Build and sustain relationships with community partners, political and civic leaders, patrons, donors, artists, and other stakeholders critical to the organization’s success.
• Strengthen The Gamm’s visibility, relevance, and community connection through thoughtful engagement and partnership development.
• Embrace other community engagement and partnerships responsibilities as needed.Artistic Collaboration
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to develop strategies that support and advance The Gamm’s artistic vision.
• Champion an artistic vision that builds on and expands the theatre’s established role as a leader in producing entertaining, aesthetically powerful, civically engaged, and provocative art.
• Shape and implement plans that align artistic priorities with The Gamm’s strategic goals, including building a financial reserve and pursuing the purchase of a long-term home for The Gamm.
• Align with the Artistic Director to ensure that artistic ambition, financial sustainability, and organizational strategy are mutually reinforcing.
• Embrace other artistic collaboration responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Executive Director will be a resourceful, instinctive, and receptive leader who brings practical judgment, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit to advance The Gamm’s mission. Strategic and visionary, they will be able to see both immediate needs and long-term possibilities, connecting people, programs, resources, and ideas in ways that strengthen organizational direction and institutional impact. Driven by results, they will maximize the value of time, talent, energy, and resources while remaining open to new ideas, methods, and opportunities. With an ability to draw upon experience, intuition, and knowledge-seeking, the Executive Director will navigate complex and competitive environments with confidence, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They will be comfortable engaging frequently with diverse stakeholders, building trust across the Board, staff, artists, patrons, donors, civic partners, and community members. Accessible, transparent, and empathetic, the Executive Director will listen actively, welcome input, and translate ideas and concerns into clear action. A versatile and unifying leader, they will adapt quickly to change, encourage shared ownership, support others generously, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and collective success.Other key competencies include:
• Self Starting – The motivation to take initiative, begin work independently, identify priorities, and propel progress without prompting, while demonstrating drive, discipline, and determination in achieving results.
• Personal Accountability – The willingness to self-evaluate, learn from mistakes, take responsibility for personal actions and decisions, accept setbacks, look for ways to progress, and understand how obstacles impact results.
• Flexibility and Leadership – The ability to organize and motivate others to accomplish goals and the agility and adaptability to embrace and implement change when needed.
• Teamwork – The integrity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of team members and to make team objectives a priority.
• Planning and Organizing – The dexterity to navigate traditional systems while forming realistic action plans that prioritize work, assess variables and risks, allow for recalibration, lead to increased efficiency, and minimize wasted resources.Qualifications
Experience in the management of nonprofit organizations is required, with experience in a nonprofit theater organization preferred. Five to 10 years of senior leadership experience is highly desirable, preferably in an organization that has experienced growth or expanded its organizational capacity, visibility, and philanthropic support. Demonstrated fundraising experience is essential, including major gifts, donor cultivation, development planning, and building relationships across individual, corporate, foundation, government, and community sectors. Experience fostering a culture of philanthropy, identifying and cultivating new prospective donors, and supporting increased giving through thoughtful planning and relationship-building is necessary. The successful candidate will be an organization builder with experience managing staff and demonstrated knowledge of growing capacity, strengthening systems, and aligning financial resources with strategic priorities. Strong leadership skills, financial management experience, strategic thinking, business acumen, and well-developed interpersonal and networking abilities are essential, along with knowledge of public relations and marketing, organizational planning, human resource management, and nonprofit management practices. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary, as is the ability to work effectively with the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, donors, artists, patrons, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Compensation and Benefits
The Gamm offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including an annual salary range of $125,000 to $140,000. Benefits include medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, dental insurance through Delta Dental of Rhode Island, a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3% of salary, an Employee Assistance Program, vacation, personal days, sick days, bereavement leave, and 12 paid holidays. For eligible employees, The Gamm pays 80% of the individual medical and dental premiums, with employees responsible for 20% of the individual premium and 100% of family coverage. Employees who waive medical coverage may receive a stipend of $250 per month, or $3,000 annually.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-gamm-theatre-seeks-executive-director/
It is the policy of The Gamm to guarantee every applicant for employment; and every employee, the right of equal treatment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, or veteran status. In recruiting and selecting employees, it is the policy of The Gamm to further the principles of equal employment opportunity by seeking talented and competent persons who are suited for a specific position by reason of training, experience, character, personality, intelligence, and general ability.
- A Building Is Not An Institution
Good Morning,
Modernization was supposed to sand the world down to one global culture. The evidence says otherwise: under pressure, people tend to sharpen their differences rather than surrender them (Psyche).
Which is useful context for the day’s buildings. The Kennedy Center is technically open — doors unlocked, staff at their posts — and nearly empty, a marble shell deactivated (Washington Post), even as a federal panel rules Trump’s name stays off it while appeals proceed (The Guardian). In London, four theatres have landed on the at-risk register (Evening Standard).
Ukraine, mid-war, is issuing its troops a handbook on protecting cultural property (The Art Newspaper), an army writing into doctrine that what it defends isn’t just territory. The competition that discovered Gustavo Dudamel declined to award a first prize this year (Moto Perpetuo).
Finally: those “witch marks” on historic English buildings might have been exaggerated. Two preservation societies may have been embellishing (The Guardian). Sometimes they’re just walls sans magic.
All of our stories below.
- What’s The Deal With The Second Season Audience Drop On Netflix?
“Between confusing release schedules, binge releases, long gaps between seasons and the regular flood of new content making it difficult for any new release to stand out, Netflix’s scale is quickly becoming its own worst enemy.” – The Wrap (MSN)
- Does Worldwide Modernization Lead To Reduction In Cultural Differences? Not Necessarily
“When researchers have actually tried to document the size of cultural differences over time, the picture is far more complicated – and more interesting.” – Psyche
PEOPLE
- Hanover Theatre & Conservatory seeks Vice President, Programming & Production
Organization
Since opening in 2008, The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts has entertained more than three million guests with Broadway musicals, comedy headliners, music, dance, and more. Pollstar consistently ranks The Hanover Theatre as one of the top theatres in the world. The award-winning historic theatre continues to establish its place as a world-class center for the performing arts and is one of the premier cultural institutions across New England. Located in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts, The Hanover Theatre’s facilities include the beautifully restored Main Stage, BrickBox Theater and PopUp Gallery (located at the adjacent Jean McDonough Art Center), plus additional function spaces, rehearsal rooms, offices, conservatory classrooms and studios, and an outdoor plaza.
As The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts approaches its 20th year, its vision is clear: serve as Greater Worcester’s bold, inclusive, and innovative performing arts destination where creativity flourishes, diverse voices thrive, and transformative experiences connect and uplift our community. From a wide range of first-class programming to professional training and educational experiences, the company’s focus is on enriching lives, fostering understanding, and actively supporting Worcester’s growth as a vibrant cultural destination. All of the work serves diverse audiences that include artists, students, creative economy workers, and downtown partners by activating its venues, community relationships, and exceptional people to amplify artistic voices and create pathways from education to the professional stage.
The Mainstage is a beautiful, Broadway-style house seating 2,300. Recent and upcoming programming on the Main Stage includes: seven Broadway touring shows in a subscription series (including MEXODUS direct from its award-winning New York run); Jerry Seinfeld; a new, world-class dance subscription series (Dance Theatre of Harlem, Martha Graham, Ballet Hispanico); Boston Pops; and original, self-produced shows including productions of A Christmas Carol, and Nutcracker.
The Hanover Theatre Conservatory opened in 2017 and reaches more than 20,000 young people each year through educational and access programs, and more than 600 students of all ages have participated in more than 90 classes in acting, dance, music, and technical theatre production.
The Hanover Theatre Repertory (THT Rep) was founded in 2020 as a professional producing arm of the company, focusing on classics, modern classics, and classics-inspired works. THT Rep produces and presents these works at the 250-seat BrickBox Theater at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. Recent and upcoming THT Rep programming includes Doubt: A Parable, Romeo and Juliet, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and FAT HAM.
The Francis R. Carroll Plaza (Plaza) provides an outdoor venue for various performances, public art pieces, and community events. In addition to touring artists, The Youth Acting Company performs on the Plaza for the community each year.
Most recently, as part of its continued expansion into producing and presenting new works, The Hanover Theatre has developed and optioned for Broadway a new play by award-winning playwright Jamie Wax, “HIGH RISK WARD.” It has also collaborated with other nonprofit theatres and commercial producers across the country to bring new shows to New England and to expand THT Rep programming to new markets.
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory has a 30-member board of directors led by Board Chair Elissa Boisvert, Esq. The Vice President, Programming & Production, oversees a department with approximately nine full-time staff in addition to numerous part-time staff and independent contractors.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Hanover Theatre & Conservatory anticipates total revenues of approximately $11.2 million with $9.6 million from ticket sales and program services; $1.2 million from contributions and grants; and $0.4 million from investment and other income. The organization has donor restricted net assets of approximately $2.5 million, with $1 million designated specifically for the Conservatory. The 1926 Legacy Society, named to commemorate the opening of the historic Poli Palace Theatre, is a group of devoted supporters who have included The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory in their estate plans to ensure that it will continue to fulfill its cultural mission for generations to come.
Community
Located in the heart of Central Massachusetts, Worcester is a growing mid-sized New England city of more than 200,000 residents, known for its diversity, civic pride, and central location in the Commonwealth. As the second-largest city in Massachusetts, it offers the scale and amenities of a regional urban center while maintaining a strong sense of community and accessibility.
The city stands out for the diversity of its population and the breadth of communities that shape its civic and cultural life. Recent demographic data indicate that Worcester’s population is approximately 49% White non-Hispanic, 25% Hispanic or Latino, 12% Black, and 7% Asian, a mix that makes the city notably more diverse than many communities in the broader region. Worcester County as a whole is less diverse than the city itself, but it continues to reflect meaningful racial, ethnic, and linguistic variety, with Hispanic or Latino residents representing roughly 14% of the county population and foreign-born residents accounting for about 13%.
The city has evolved from its manufacturing roots into a regional center for education, healthcare, biotechnology, and the life sciences. Worcester’s historic architecture, established neighborhoods, and new mixed-use development reflect a community that values both preservation and forward-looking growth.
Worcester is home to a remarkable concentration of higher education institutions, with more than 35,000 students enrolled across the College of the Holy Cross, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Assumption University, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester State University, and Quinsigamond Community College. Nearby communities extend this academic ecosystem through institutions such as Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Nichols College, contributing to a broader regional network of students, faculty, researchers, and professional talent.
This educational presence helps support a dynamic economy and a highly educated workforce, with strength across healthcare, research, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and related industries. Worcester’s location, approximately 40 miles from both Boston and Providence, provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas while offering a more manageable and generally more affordable lifestyle than many larger Northeast cities.
The city’s cultural and recreational landscape is equally strong. Worcester is home to other major arts and entertainment institutions, including Mechanics Hall, the Palladium, the DCU Center, Polar Park (home of the AAA Woosocks), and the Worcester Art Museum, all of which contribute to an active year-round calendar of performances, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, games, and civic events.
Public art, neighborhood business districts, and an expanding mix of restaurants, markets, and gathering places add to Worcester’s appeal. Residents also enjoy access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation throughout the region, while nearby Wachusett Mountain offers four-season activity, including skiing in winter.
Sources: edited from worcesterchamber.org; censusreporter.org; worcesterma.gov; wbjournal.com; uphomes.com
Position Summary
The Vice President, Programming & Production will serve as The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s chief programmer and artistic curator, shaping the creative identity, commercial vitality, and audience experience across its stages. As one of the organization’s lead content strategists, this individual will source, evaluate, negotiate, book, produce, and program a dynamic mix of Broadway engagements, original theatrical productions, touring shows, concerts, comedy, special events, and mission aligned work that drives sales, expands audiences, and strengthens the theatre’s artistic profile.
In close partnership with the President & CEO, senior leadership team, and The Hanover Theatre Repertory, (THT Rep), the Vice President will develop and implement a cohesive, forward looking programming strategy that balances artistic ambition with financial sustainability. They will cultivate relationships with agents, producers, and touring partners; assess market trends; and build seasons that elevate visibility, deepen community impact, and support both earned and contributed revenue.
Overseeing the full arc of programmed content, from concept and curation through contracting, budgeting, marketing alignment, and production execution, they will ensure that every event is delivered with excellence, creativity, and a high standard of service. In collaboration with the production, operations, and other internal partners, this leader will also oversee the technical and logistical infrastructure that brings each artistic choice to life while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and artistic ambition.
Roles and Responsibilities
Program Vision, Strategy, and Implementation
• Develop, implement, and financially evaluate a balanced, marketable, and diverse programming strategy for the Main Stage, Jean McDonough Arts Center (BrickBox Theater and PopUp Gallery), student matinees, Broadway, and other Hanover Theatre & Conservatory events, ensuring alignment with earned revenue goals and audience demand.
• Engage with Broadway co-promoters, producers, touring companies, presenters, promoters, artists, and organizations to secure high-quality bookings and partnerships, with attention to market viability and revenue potential.
• Negotiate contracts, license agreements, budgets, and financial settlements for mainstage events, ensuring financial terms support sustainable earned-revenue outcomes.
• Collaborate with operations, marketing/communications, finance, senior leadership, and visiting partners to ensure effective planning, marketing, budgeting, and implementation, integrating revenue considerations into programming decisions.
• Cultivate local, regional, national, and international relationships that support diverse, accessible, and financially sound programming.
• Convene internal and external stakeholders to develop equitable programs, consistent programming practices, and marketable annual seasons.
• Embrace other program vision, strategy, and implementation responsibilities as needed.Strategic Planning, Operational Implementation, and Community Engagement
• Participate actively as a senior leadership team member and principal partner to the President and CEO, advancing long-term strategy, operational effectiveness, institutional priorities, and community impact.
• Provide strategic oversight of production operations, ensuring resources, staffing, labor relationships, and technical execution align with programming goals.
• Supervise the proper preparation, maintenance, and operation of production facilities, events, and the Wurlitzer Organ in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Develop capital equipment, facility upgrade, budgeting, staffing, and growth plans in collaboration with the President & CEO and other senior staff.
• Collaborate with the President & CEO, Board, senior leadership team, city officials, Downtown Business District stakeholders, audiences, artists, and community partners to strengthen the theatre’s relevancy, vibrancy, reach, and impact.
• Identify and maximize earned revenue and growth opportunities, including merchandise concessions, rentals, production services, additional properties, programs, partnerships, and new revenue streams.
• Supervise communications with external producing and presenting partners, including technical rider review, issue identification, and problem-solving.
• Support the company’s equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility initiatives.
• Embrace other strategic planning, operational implementation, and community engagement responsibilities as needed.Team Leadership, Collaboration, and Oversight
• Oversee programming staff, production teams, show creative and design teams, independent contractors, vendors, and union crews.
• Create, implement, and enforce facility policies, processes, and procedures for internal teams and visiting performers, promoters, and partners.
• Administer touring show load-ins and in-house original productions, alongside productions from the THT Rep and the Conservatory.
• Maintain positive labor relations and ensure adherence to collective bargaining, legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Lead production meetings, team assessments, mentoring, accountability measures, and performance-improvement processes.
• Innovate production workflows to support high-volume programming and sustainable workload planning.
• Monitor and approve payroll for programming and production staff and independent contractors.
• Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging goals.
• Embrace other team leadership, collaboration, and oversight responsibilities as needed.External Relations and Advancement
• Serve as an ambassador and advocate for the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory programming in collaboration with the President & CEO, Board, and senior leadership team.
• Support advancement efforts, including capital campaigns, annual giving, memberships, corporate sponsorships, grants, and other contributed revenue opportunities.
• Develop program narratives, objectives, and budgets for sponsorships and funding proposals in collaboration with the development, marketing/communications, and finance teams.
• Build and maintain relationships that support future philanthropic, civic, governmental, and community engagement.
• Support the President & CEO in relationships with the City of Worcester and other government partners.
• Engage Downtown Business District stakeholders, artists, audiences, and community partners.
• Embrace other external relations and advancement responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Vice President, Programming & Production will be a resourceful, intellectually curious, and intentional leader who brings a balanced blend of artistic insight and operational discipline. Energized by practical results and continuous learning, this individual will identify artistic opportunities that advance the Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s mission while making decisions grounded in financial realities, organizational priorities, and audience demand. A people oriented collaborator, the Vice President, Programming & Production will build rapport across the community, staff, board, and partners, fostering trust, engagement, and shared purpose. With a versatile and competitive spirit, this leader will adapt to changing circumstances, communicate with clarity and consistency, listen with intention, and demonstrate the assertiveness and judgment required in a dynamic environment. Centered in humility and driven by strategic ambition, the Vice President, Programming & Production will motivate others, model diplomacy and emotional intelligence, and maintain a visible commitment to the community.
Other key competencies include:
• Negotiation – The ability to listen to many points of view and facilitate agreements between two or more parties.
• Conceptual Thinking – The capacity to analyze hypothetical situations, patterns, and abstract concepts to identify connections, generate new insights, and support thoughtful decision-making.
• Customer Focus – The commitment to anticipate and exceed customer needs with urgency, responsiveness, and strong relationships.
• Goal Orientation – The tenacity to achieve inspirational and attainable goals while building trust and demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate, and organize a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpersonal Skills – The capability to build rapport, demonstrate a sincere interest in others, and effectively communicate and relate well to people.
• Leadership and Teamwork – The adeptness to organize and motivate others to accomplish goals while creating a sense of order, direction, and active participation among a variety of stakeholders.Qualifications
A bachelor’s advanced degree and eight to 10 years of progressively responsible senior management experience in programming and production, within the performing arts or creative industries, are highly desirable. Experience in fast paced environments with strong attention to detail, excellent organizational and time management abilities, and the capacity to oversee multiple staff, projects, and priorities is important. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, event booking, AudienceView (or similar ticketing and service), production technologies, facilities oversight, and related software is useful, as is familiarity with financial processes, including show settlements, contract to settlement workflows, and co production risk management.
Demonstrated success in engaging effectively with ticket buyers, donors, strategic partners, artists, producers, presenters, and community stakeholders is invaluable. Strong relationships with promoters, booking agents, and the APAP network are advantageous. Knowledge of Equity, IATSE, SDC, and other union negotiation processes is vital. The role also calls for the ability to work weekday, evening, and weekend hours as needed; move throughout a multi level venue and office environment; and perform core functions for extended periods.
If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education, we encourage you to apply and highlight those areas.
Compensation and Benefits
Hanover Theatre & Conservatory provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary in the range of $135,000 to $150,000. Benefits include vacation, sick time, and holidays; subsidized (75%) medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); life, short-term, and long-term disability insurances; a voluntary 401(k) plan with up to 5% match; and complimentary parking and tickets. The organization provides tax-free reimbursement for certain qualified medical expenses through a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Employees and dependents enrolled in the Health New England HMO Thrive and PPO Thrive group health plans are eligible to enroll in the HRA, and this benefit’s premium is fully paid by the organization. The Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave benefits are also available.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/hanover-theatre-conservatory-seeks-vice-president-programming-production/
The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- The Gamm Theatre seeks Executive Director
Organization
The Gamm Theatre is a leading New England professional theatre known for its epic yet intimate productions and commitment to storytelling that challenges and inspires audiences across Rhode Island and beyond. Heading into its 42nd season, The Gamm is one of the region’s premier professional theaters and a cultural asset that has been producing theater since its founding in 1984. Its mission is to tell stories that entertain, provoke, and engage seriously with the most important issues of our time, while further serving the public through educational programming that enriches the cultural and civic life of the community.
The theatre presents an eclectic season of exciting new works and classics made to feel new, drawing on the talent of local and visiting artists. Its productions are designed to use an intimate performance space to engage, provoke, and entertain audiences while addressing important issues of the present moment and across time. This intimate, actor-centered stage is a destination for critically acclaimed productions, including world and regional premieres, and has received several Elliot Norton Awards from the Boston Theater Critics Association, among other professional recognitions, and is defined by bold choices and close-up performances. Deeply appreciated by the Rhode Island arts community and its patrons, The Gamm repeatedly sells out shows while offering audiences exciting off-stage engagement.
The Gamm’s history began in 1984, when seven graduates of Trinity Rep Conservatory formed an artist collective called Alias Stage and began performing in abandoned mill buildings in Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood. In 1994, the company moved to Providence’s Jewelry District, where its reputation grew for quality acting, challenging plays, and vivid Shakespeare productions. In 1998, the theater was renamed The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre in honor of the late arts educator and supporter. The company later relocated to an annex of the historic Pawtucket National Guard Armory, where it performed for 15 seasons before moving in 2018 to its current home in Warwick.
The theatre’s home provides a newly renovated venue with more seating, greater comfort, and expanded potential for artists and audiences. The 21,000-square-foot building includes a 2,850-square-foot black box theater with 185 seats. The Gamm’s season runs from September to June, offering audiences across Southern New England, including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Greater Boston, and beyond, access to professional theater in an intimate setting. The Gamm is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association as a proud member of New England Area Theatres.
Gamm Education is an essential part of the organization’s mission, engaging students across the region and introducing them to the power of theater. For nearly 20 years, The Gamm’s education department has brought theater into classrooms across the region through partnerships with schools, teachers, and students. Its programs include in-school residencies, student matinees, vacation camps, Gamm Studio and Gamm Studio Jr. classes, and community programs designed to build the next generation of theater artists, audiences, advocates, and engaged citizens.
Through programs such as Gamm on the Go, a Shakespeare residency program that collaborates with schools and community organizations across the state, The Gamm extends its educational and community impact. With professional performances, post-show discussions, classroom residencies, study guides, and flexible program models, Gamm on the Go provides students with access to theatrical experiences that engage their creative and civic minds. Additional programs and opportunities include student matinees, camps, classes, community forums, youth usher opportunities, and the Gamm Fellowship Program for emerging artists of color in partnership with Rhode Island’s public institutions of higher education.
The Gamm has an 18-member Board of Directors led by Board President Miriam Weizenbaum. The Executive Director has six direct reports, including the Director of Operations and Administration, the Director of Annual Giving and Strategic Communications, the Director of Marketing and Design, the Institutional Giving and Stewardship Manager, the Bookkeeper, and the Director of Education and Community Programs, and reports to the Board of Directors. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, The Gamm reported a total revenue of $2.7 million, with 41% from earned revenue sources, 55% from contributed income, and 4% from other revenue sources. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, The Gamm’s operating budget is $2.5 million, with 48% from earned revenue sources and 52% from contributions.
Sources: edited from gammtheatre.org; propublica.org
Community
Rhode Island offers an exceptional quality of life shaped by coastal beauty, historic communities, cultural activity, and regional accessibility. Known as the Ocean State, Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of coastline, and all residents live within a 30-minute drive of the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay. With an estimated 2025 population of 1,114,521, the state combines the scale and connectivity of a compact region with the amenities of a much larger cultural and economic center. Rhode Island residents are well educated, with 89.7% of adults age 25 and older holding a high school diploma or higher and 37.7% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Providence and Newport anchor two of Rhode Island’s most distinctive regional identities. Providence, the state capital and largest city, is a civic, cultural, and economic hub with waterfront access, highways, rail lines, and proximity to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. Newport, founded in 1639, is recognized for its coastal setting, architecture, waterfront, arts, hospitality, and connection to nine coastal communities that share a rich New England history and strong sense of place. Together with the surrounding suburbs of both cities, these communities create a highly connected environment for residents who value cultural experiences, coastal recreation, historic character, neighborhood life, and access to the full breadth of Rhode Island’s civic and visitor amenities.
The theatre’s home, Warwick, Rhode Island, is a welcoming coastal city that combines historic villages, regional accessibility, cultural activity, and abundant waterfront amenities. Warwick continues to invest in a resilient, connected, and forward-looking future, and Visit Rhode Island highlights Warwick as an ideal home base in the heart of the Ocean State, only 10 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island’s vital, exciting cultural capital, and a half-hour drive from historic Newport and beautiful South County beaches. In this coastal and civic setting, Warwick offers the character of an established Rhode Island community with the energy of a city actively shaping its future, an ideal home for people who value waterfront access, historic villages, public spaces, cultural experiences, and meaningful community connection.
Sources: edited from providenceri.gov; discovernewport.org; ri.gov; census.gov; visitri.com; warwickri.gov
Position Summary
The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of The Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) as a regional leader in professional theater. They will serve as The Gamm’s senior administrative and strategic leader, overseeing daily operations, stewarding finances, supervising staff, co-leading with the Artistic Director, and partnering closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen the theatre’s foundation and advance its mission. This person will guide all administrative and operational functions, including operations, staff leadership, financial management, facilities, education, marketing, development, and community partnerships, to ensure alignment with organizational goals and long term sustainability.
A dynamic, community minded ambassador, the Executive Director will bring strong communication skills, collaborative leadership, and sound financial judgment to the theatre’s internal and external work. This leader will strengthen donor and foundation relationships, support fundraising strategy, and build partnerships that expand The Gamm’s visibility and civic impact. In close collaboration with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director will help advance an artistic vision that is entertaining, aesthetically powerful, civically engaged, and provocative, while ensuring decisions are grounded in financial realities, organizational priorities, and audience needs. They will champion The Gamm’s role as a cultural asset for Rhode Island and the region, deepen engagement with stakeholders, and cultivate the relationships and resources essential to the theatre’s long term success.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
• Build greater donor engagement and community support for a shared vision for the future of The Gamm, in partnership with the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director, and its patrons.
• Generate and implement inspiring and effective plans, goals, and strategies that advance the organization’s purpose and mission, whilst navigating its real-world challenges.
• Guide planning processes that strategically support organizational focus, sustainability, artistic vitality, and community impact.
• Embrace other strategic leadership and planning responsibilities as needed.Financial Management and Sustainability
• Ensure that The Gamm’s financial resources are managed wisely, responsibly, and in alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee professional and accurate budgeting and accounting systems.
• Warrant that appropriate financial controls and risk-management strategies are in place to protect the organization’s assets.
• Supervise and implement financial planning that positions The Gamm to achieve its goals, advance its strategic plan, and build a financial reserve.
• Partner with staff and Board leadership to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Embrace other financial management and sustainability responsibilities as needed.Fundraising and Development
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, Development Committee, and appropriate staff to develop, implement, and track fundraising systems and strategies.
• Advance fundraising efforts that enable The Gamm to meet its contributed revenue goals and support operations, programs, and strategic priorities.
• Secure major gifts and cultivate new prospective donors across individual, corporate, foundation, government, and community sectors.
• Strengthen development practices that support donor engagement, institutional sustainability, and mission advancement.
• Build a shared strategy to align fundraising strategies with the organization’s financial needs and long-term goals.
• Embrace other fundraising and development responsibilities as needed.
Organizational Management
• Provide overall leadership for the day-to-day operations of The Gamm, ensuring that staff, systems, and resources are supported and aligned with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with staff to develop, maintain, and use effective systems that support the successful operation of each department.
• Guide and develop Marketing, Education, Operations, and Development personnel in ways that strengthen collaboration, accountability, and performance.
• Build staff capacity through coaching, clear communication, professional development, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Strengthen organizational practices that continue to advance diversity in all its forms—equity, inclusion, and representation across staff, Board, artists, audiences, and community relationships.
• Foster a productive, mission-driven workplace culture that advances the objectives of the strategic plan.
• Embrace other organizational management responsibilities as needed.Board Relations and Governance
• Serve as part of The Gamm’s leadership team with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors, supporting a strong and effective governance partnership.
• Develop and maintain a productive working relationship with the Board, grounded in shared information, mutual trust, and clear communication.
• Ensure that Board members have the information and context needed to effectively carry out their governance responsibilities.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with Board members, drawing on their talents, experience, expertise, and resources to advance The Gamm’s success.
• Engage the Board as valued partners in the organization’s operations, financial affairs, and long-term sustainability.
• Embrace other board relations and governance responsibilities as needed.Community Engagement and Partnerships
• Serve as a spokesperson and public face for The Gamm, representing the organization with clarity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Promote the organization’s mission, programs, impact, and role in the community.
• Advocate for The Gamm’s mission and work with key constituents and stakeholder groups.
• Build and sustain relationships with community partners, political and civic leaders, patrons, donors, artists, and other stakeholders critical to the organization’s success.
• Strengthen The Gamm’s visibility, relevance, and community connection through thoughtful engagement and partnership development.
• Embrace other community engagement and partnerships responsibilities as needed.Artistic Collaboration
• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to develop strategies that support and advance The Gamm’s artistic vision.
• Champion an artistic vision that builds on and expands the theatre’s established role as a leader in producing entertaining, aesthetically powerful, civically engaged, and provocative art.
• Shape and implement plans that align artistic priorities with The Gamm’s strategic goals, including building a financial reserve and pursuing the purchase of a long-term home for The Gamm.
• Align with the Artistic Director to ensure that artistic ambition, financial sustainability, and organizational strategy are mutually reinforcing.
• Embrace other artistic collaboration responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Executive Director will be a resourceful, instinctive, and receptive leader who brings practical judgment, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit to advance The Gamm’s mission. Strategic and visionary, they will be able to see both immediate needs and long-term possibilities, connecting people, programs, resources, and ideas in ways that strengthen organizational direction and institutional impact. Driven by results, they will maximize the value of time, talent, energy, and resources while remaining open to new ideas, methods, and opportunities. With an ability to draw upon experience, intuition, and knowledge-seeking, the Executive Director will navigate complex and competitive environments with confidence, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. They will be comfortable engaging frequently with diverse stakeholders, building trust across the Board, staff, artists, patrons, donors, civic partners, and community members. Accessible, transparent, and empathetic, the Executive Director will listen actively, welcome input, and translate ideas and concerns into clear action. A versatile and unifying leader, they will adapt quickly to change, encourage shared ownership, support others generously, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and collective success.Other key competencies include:
• Self Starting – The motivation to take initiative, begin work independently, identify priorities, and propel progress without prompting, while demonstrating drive, discipline, and determination in achieving results.
• Personal Accountability – The willingness to self-evaluate, learn from mistakes, take responsibility for personal actions and decisions, accept setbacks, look for ways to progress, and understand how obstacles impact results.
• Flexibility and Leadership – The ability to organize and motivate others to accomplish goals and the agility and adaptability to embrace and implement change when needed.
• Teamwork – The integrity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of team members and to make team objectives a priority.
• Planning and Organizing – The dexterity to navigate traditional systems while forming realistic action plans that prioritize work, assess variables and risks, allow for recalibration, lead to increased efficiency, and minimize wasted resources.Qualifications
Experience in the management of nonprofit organizations is required, with experience in a nonprofit theater organization preferred. Five to 10 years of senior leadership experience is highly desirable, preferably in an organization that has experienced growth or expanded its organizational capacity, visibility, and philanthropic support. Demonstrated fundraising experience is essential, including major gifts, donor cultivation, development planning, and building relationships across individual, corporate, foundation, government, and community sectors. Experience fostering a culture of philanthropy, identifying and cultivating new prospective donors, and supporting increased giving through thoughtful planning and relationship-building is necessary. The successful candidate will be an organization builder with experience managing staff and demonstrated knowledge of growing capacity, strengthening systems, and aligning financial resources with strategic priorities. Strong leadership skills, financial management experience, strategic thinking, business acumen, and well-developed interpersonal and networking abilities are essential, along with knowledge of public relations and marketing, organizational planning, human resource management, and nonprofit management practices. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary, as is the ability to work effectively with the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, donors, artists, patrons, community partners, and other stakeholders.
Compensation and Benefits
The Gamm offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including an annual salary range of $125,000 to $140,000. Benefits include medical insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, dental insurance through Delta Dental of Rhode Island, a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3% of salary, an Employee Assistance Program, vacation, personal days, sick days, bereavement leave, and 12 paid holidays. For eligible employees, The Gamm pays 80% of the individual medical and dental premiums, with employees responsible for 20% of the individual premium and 100% of family coverage. Employees who waive medical coverage may receive a stipend of $250 per month, or $3,000 annually.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/the-gamm-theatre-seeks-executive-director/
It is the policy of The Gamm to guarantee every applicant for employment; and every employee, the right of equal treatment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, or veteran status. In recruiting and selecting employees, it is the policy of The Gamm to further the principles of equal employment opportunity by seeking talented and competent persons who are suited for a specific position by reason of training, experience, character, personality, intelligence, and general ability.
- A Building Is Not An Institution
Good Morning,
Modernization was supposed to sand the world down to one global culture. The evidence says otherwise: under pressure, people tend to sharpen their differences rather than surrender them (Psyche).
Which is useful context for the day’s buildings. The Kennedy Center is technically open — doors unlocked, staff at their posts — and nearly empty, a marble shell deactivated (Washington Post), even as a federal panel rules Trump’s name stays off it while appeals proceed (The Guardian). In London, four theatres have landed on the at-risk register (Evening Standard).
Ukraine, mid-war, is issuing its troops a handbook on protecting cultural property (The Art Newspaper), an army writing into doctrine that what it defends isn’t just territory. The competition that discovered Gustavo Dudamel declined to award a first prize this year (Moto Perpetuo).
Finally: those “witch marks” on historic English buildings might have been exaggerated. Two preservation societies may have been embellishing (The Guardian). Sometimes they’re just walls sans magic.
All of our stories below.
- What’s The Deal With The Second Season Audience Drop On Netflix?
“Between confusing release schedules, binge releases, long gaps between seasons and the regular flood of new content making it difficult for any new release to stand out, Netflix’s scale is quickly becoming its own worst enemy.” – The Wrap (MSN)
- Does Worldwide Modernization Lead To Reduction In Cultural Differences? Not Necessarily
“When researchers have actually tried to document the size of cultural differences over time, the picture is far more complicated – and more interesting.” – Psyche
THEATRE
VISUAL
- Does Worldwide Modernization Lead To Reduction In Cultural Differences? Not Necessarily
“When researchers have actually tried to document the size of cultural differences over time, the picture is far more complicated – and more interesting.” – Psyche
- Who Makes Choices When We ‘Choose’?
“The brain initiates voluntary action unconsciously: our conscious sense that we have decided to act is actually the result of this brain activity.” It’s possible that our only choice is in deciding not to do something. – 3 Quarks
- The Effective-Altruism Movement Is About To Make A Comeback, Powered By AI Titans And Their Money
“Since the (Sam Bankman-Fried/FTX) scandal, the movement’s organizations have shied away from the limelight and become extremely concerned with PR. For several years, their growth has been severely curtailed. But they survived. And the new AI money has given EA a chance to come back larger than ever before.” – New York Magazine
- Do We Listen/See/Read Differently When The Name Of The Artist Is Changed?
Why should a name matter so much? Psychologists have a term that might help explain what’s happening here: prestige bias. Developed by the cultural evolution theorists Joseph Henrich and Francisco J Gil-White, the concept describes the human tendency to preferentially attend to, learn from, and value the outputs of high-status individuals. – Psyche
- When Innovation Scrambled Everything At The Turn Of The 20th Century
At the time, Americans did not understand that they were living through the largest energy transition in human history. Instead, they perceived a series of disconnected events. Unable to discern or conceptualize an underlying cause, they often declared the transformations around them were “kaleidoscopic.” – MIT Press