AJ Four Ways:
Text Only (by date) | headlines only
- A New Partnership Helps Stand-Up Comics In Chicago To Finally Get Steady Health Insurance
The Health Alliance for Chicago Comedians is building a pilot program to help 10 comics pay insurance premiums through the Affordable Care Act’s next open enrollment period. Stand-up comedians, especially early in their careers, often take gigs and side jobs which offer no insurance. – WBEZ (Chicago)
- It’s Just A Few Cents: More People Are Listening To Music Pitched Down To A=432Hz
“Music recorded in 432 hertz (cycles per second) is taking off on social media platforms and music streaming services. … Scientists say there’s no robust evidence that music tuned to 432 hertz has any special benefits or healing properties. Some musicians and listeners say it helps them connect with nature, relax or concentrate.” – AP
- Okay, Here’s How The Publishing Business Really Works
Nobody would patronize a best-seller–only shopping mall kiosk called We Bet We Have That Book You Want, even though best-sellers are most of what anyone buys. People want to walk into stores with lots of books which they have no interest in even looking at. – Republic of Letters
- Two Washington Stars Rise Up To Take On The Damaged Washington Post
The two closely named rivals plan to take on a much more established competitor: The Washington Post, which is owned by the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and recently cut its staff by a third. – The New York Times
- Busting Conventional Wisdom: The Number Of Bookstores Isn’t Shrinking, It’s Growing Robustly
Membership in the ABA grew by more than 500 over the past year, to a total of 3,417 (at 3,783 locations), nearly triple what it was a decade ago and the highest level since the late 1990s. – AP News
- Britain’s Biggest Female Ballet Star Comes Back From Paralytic Meningitis
“It was six weeks of being unable to move, … to participate in life at all, before she could get out of bed. And then Lauren Cuthbertson, the biggest British dance star since Darcey Bussell, … had to persuade her useless limbs, now stripped of their strength, to listen to her brain again.” – The Times (UK)
- A Priority For Australia’s Next Cultural Policy: Protecting Freedom Of Expression
Treating freedom of expression and social cohesion as trade-offs is a category error. Freedom of expression is an internal attribute of cultural activity, an inherent good. Without it there is no culture worthy of the name, only sanctioned content. – ArtsHub
- Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin, Philanthropist Who Saved New Orleans’ Symphony Orchestra, Dies At 93
Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin, a queen of Carnival who became a lawyer and philanthropist whose gifts of money, determination and leadership helped save New Orleans’ symphony orchestra, died Saturday in her sleep at her New Orleans home. – NOLA.com
- Rosamund Pike Lectures Audience Member From The Stage For Texting During Performance
“Maybe it was very important, and maybe you’re a doctor, and you’re saving someone’s life, and I hope you are, but we do see these, we do feel them. I’ve got you, I feel like I’ve got to hold you all, so when I feel that and see it, it’s hard.” – The Guardian
- A Top Celebrity-Profile Writer Tries To Profile Someone Who Doesn’t Actually Exist: AI Actress Tilly Norwood
Taffy Brodesser-Akner: “Did I mention that in addition to being just a computer, she’s also kind of a bitch?” – The New York Times Magazine
- University Student Audience Member Steps In To Finish Performance When Keyboardist Falls Ill
The orchestra’s keyboardist had suddenly fallen ill. Was there by any chance a pianist in the house? And one with exceptional sight-reading skills? – The Guardian
- Study: Humans Need “Semantic Knowledge” To Innovate
The research demonstrates that our “semantic knowledge”, the internal cognitive map of how concepts connect and apply to one another, is the absolute precondition for meaningful invention. – Neuroscience
- We Need Artists To Collaborate With AI
Machine learning represents a seismic shift, both in society and in the arts, and we need storytellers, artists, teachers and thinkers in this space to help determine the direction of that shift and help us navigate this unfamiliar territory. – The Guardian
- Adelaide Benjamin, Philanthropist Who Saved The Orchestra In New Orleans, Has Died At 93
As board chair of what was then the New Orleans Symphony, she worked tirelessly to save an organization which was $3 million in debt and had stopped paying musicians. She subsequently helped its transition into the Louisiana Philharmonic, the US’s first musician-run professional orchestra. – The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
- At New York Public Radio, New CEO Ousts Many Senior Execs
“Christy Tanner, a veteran of CBS News, took the helm at NYPR in early February. Since then, she has let many of its top figures go with little explanation, … surprising the organization’s staff and unsettling some of its remaining leaders. … None of the departures have been announced publicly.” – Semafor
- Arts Council England, The National Cultural Funder, Names A New Chairman
As of August 1, Dawn Airey, a longtime television executive who is currently chair of the National Youth Theatre and the educational platform Digital Theatre+, will succeed Nicholas Serota, who spent almost a decade leading the Council after a famously successful tenure as director of the Tate galleries and museums. – The Independent (UK)
- Survivors Recount Living Through Russia’s Bombing Of Kyiv’s Cultural Sites
“We began evacuating the artefacts while the roof was still ablaze and the firefighting operation was still under way,” said the director of one museum. “We could hear the roof collapsing. We were constantly wading through water.” – The Guardian
- Why Restorers Of This Bull Mosaic In Milan Left Out The Testicles
In fact, the missing glands on the bovine in this 19th-century floor mosaic had been gouged out by excessive tourist traffic some time ago, and the restorers (and the landlord) declined to replace them. Here’s why. – Smithsonian Magazine
- Maurizio Cattelan’s Banana Is Stolen From A Museum Wall, And That Museum Wants To Prosecute
The theft of the fruit from the jokester artist’s piece Comedian happened this past Saturday at the Pompidou Center’s outpost in Metz, France; the duct tape was left behind. No suspect has yet been identified, and museum staff promptly replaced the banana. – ARTnews
- Another Famous Actor Scolds Cell Phone-User From The Stage
Unlike Patti LuPone, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Scott and others, Rosamund Pike waited until the performance (her Olivier-winning turn in Inter Alia) was over: after the curtain call, she came onstage alone and made a brief speech about why seeing an audience member using a phone during a show is so distracting. – The Guardian
- Ragazzi Boys Chorus seeks Artistic Director
Organization
Ragazzi Boys Chorus is a premier, GRAMMY award winning, choral organization dedicated to transforming the lives of boys through the power of music, educational discipline, and performance excellence. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ragazzi serves over 230 young singers between the ages of five and 18 each year through a comprehensive training program that emphasizes vocal technique, music literacy, and personal growth. The organization presents a wide range of performances, from classical masterworks and contemporary choral compositions to multicultural repertoire, appearing in major concert halls, community venues, and collaborative productions with leading arts organizations. Ragazzi Boys Chorus is committed to excellence in musical performance and education. The Ragazzi experience instills self-confidence, cooperation, leadership, sensitivity, and tenacity, helping boys develop into young men of character and distinction. Ragazzi serves its singers and the broader community by performing a diverse selection of choral works to the highest artistic standards. Central to the organization’s mission is a commitment to artistic excellence and character development, fostering confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Founded in 1987, Ragazzi is the largest boy choir in the San Francisco Bay Area and has grown into one of the leading boys’ choruses in the United States, with multiple ensemble levels that provide a structured progression from beginning singers to advanced performing groups. The Chorus performs a robust annual season that includes subscription concerts, regional, national, and international tours, and high-profile collaborations with symphonies, opera companies, and professional ensembles. Ragazzi singers have appeared with organizations such as the San Francisco Symphony and Opera, and have participated in prestigious festivals and international tours, earning recognition for their musical precision and expressive performances. Ragazzi singers were invited to perform at the Chorus America conference in 2023 and the ACDA conferences in 2012, 2024, 2025, and 2026. The program’s curriculum integrates rigorous rehearsal schedules with music theory and sight-singing instruction, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive musical education.
Ragazzi’s administrative offices and primary rehearsal facilities are housed at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Redwood City. While an active congregation, the site also serves a range of community uses, including other nonprofit and commercial tenants, reflecting a shared, community-centered environment. Ragazzi maintains dedicated access to multiple upper-floor classrooms for regular instruction, while also utilizing shared first-floor spaces, including the Sanctuary, Parish Hall, and smaller breakout rooms, for full ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, and meetings. To broaden access and support younger singers, Ragazzi operates additional satellite rehearsal locations for its Primary Group in Burlingame at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame and in Palo Alto at the First United Methodist Church.
Performance activity takes place across a network of venues throughout the region, underscoring Ragazzi’s strong community presence. Regular concert sites include First United Methodist Church in Palo Alto, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, Hillsdale High School Theater and Aragon High School Theater in San Mateo, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Redwood City, and Old First Church in San Francisco. These venues provide a range of performance settings, from intimate sacred spaces to larger theater environments, allowing Ragazzi to engage diverse audiences across the Peninsula and San Francisco.
Ragazzi’s impact extends beyond performance through its strong emphasis on education and community engagement. The organization partners with schools and community groups to expand access to high-quality choral training, while offering need-based scholarships to ensure that financial barriers do not limit participation. Alumni of the program frequently continue in music and leadership roles, reflecting Ragazzi’s long-term influence on artistic and personal development. Through its commitment to excellence, accessibility, and community connection, Ragazzi continues to serve as a vital cultural resource and a nurturing environment for the next generation of musicians and leaders.
Ragazzi has a 10-member board of directors led by President Linda Enger. The Artistic Director reports to the Board of Directors and supervises artistic staff, conductors, accompanists, and teaching artists associated with the choral program. For the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024, Ragazzi’s audited financial statements reported total revenue of $2 million, including 11.5% from contributions, 85.5% from earned revenue sources, and 3% from investment income. The projected revenue for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2026, is $2.1 million, including 87% from earned revenue sources and 13% from contributions.
Sources: edited from ragazzi.org; propublica.org
Community
Situated along the Northern California coast and encompassing nine counties, the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most dynamic and influential regions in the United States. Anchored by the city and county of San Francisco, the region is home to a diverse population of more than seven million residents and is internationally recognized for its economic innovation, cultural richness, and scenic beauty. San Francisco itself serves as a civic, cultural, and financial hub, known for its iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and commitment to public services, equity, and sustainability. The broader Bay Area includes Silicon Valley, often referred to as the South Bay, a globally recognized center of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation that encompasses Santa Clara County and many of its vibrant cities. According to the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, the region is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of engineers, scientists, software developers, entrepreneurs, and research institutions, fostering an ecosystem where bold ideas, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership continue to shape industries worldwide.
The region offers an exceptional quality of life shaped by its distinctive geography and vibrant communities. From the Pacific coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge to rolling hills, waterfront parks, and nearby wine country, the Bay Area provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. San Francisco’s compact, walkable urban environment features a rich mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character, as well as an extensive public transportation network that connects residents and visitors throughout the region. The area is also a major destination for tourism, celebrated for its culinary scene, historic sites, and cultural attractions that draw visitors from around the world.
Arts and culture are deeply embedded in the identity of the San Francisco Bay Area. The region supports a wide array of museums, performing arts organizations, festivals, and community-based cultural initiatives that reflect its diversity and creative energy. San Francisco, in particular, is home to numerous cultural institutions and civic programs that promote access to the arts, historic preservation, and community engagement. Strong partnerships among local government, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders contribute to a thriving cultural ecosystem that prioritizes inclusion, innovation, and public participation. With its global influence, diverse population, and enduring commitment to creativity and civic life, the San Francisco Bay Area offers a compelling and inspiring environment for arts and community leadership.
Sources: sf.gov; svcentralchamber.com; census.gov
Position Summary
The Artistic Director will serve as the senior artistic leader of Ragazzi Boys Chorus (Ragazzi), providing vision, artistic leadership, and educational excellence across Ragazzi’s choral program. The Artistic Director will be responsible for maintaining and advancing Ragazzi’s reputation for exceptional artistry, rigorous musicianship education, and positive youth development.
The Artistic Director will be an inspiring teacher, accomplished conductor, and collaborative leader who combines artistic excellence with warmth, diplomacy, and a deep commitment to the musical and personal growth of boys and young men. The Artistic Director will oversee artistic staff, guide program development, support recruitment and retention efforts, and serve as a visible ambassador with families, donors, and the broader community.
Roles and Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership
• Provide overall artistic vision and leadership for the organization’s choral program.
• Conduct premier ensemble(s) and oversee artistic quality across all choir levels.
• Maintain and elevate standards of vocal production, musicianship, performance preparation, and repertoire selection.
• Develop age-appropriate pedagogical approaches for unchanged and changing male voices, particularly soprano and alto voices, during vocal transition.
• Organize and facilitate summer training programs held both during the day and in off site camp venues.
• Plan and lead tours, including yearly international tours involving 100 boys.
• Lead artistic planning, repertoire development, touring, collaborations, recordings, and performances.
• Ensure artistic programming reflects excellence, educational value, and organizational mission.
• Embrace other artistic leadership responsibilities as needed.Educational Leadership
• Serve as a teacher and mentor for singers and artistic staff.
• Recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate conductors, accompanists, and teaching artists.
• Foster a consistent pedagogical approach across the organization.
• Support student musicianship development, including sight-singing and music literacy.
• Integrate best practices in child development, social-emotional learning, and youth engagement into rehearsal culture.
• Create a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven artistic culture.
• Demonstrate diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and effective people management skills.
• Embrace other educational leadership responsibilities as needed.Organizational Leadership
• Partner closely with Board leadership.
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
• Participate as an ambassador for the organization with families, donors, schools, and community partners.
• Support recruitment, retention, and community engagement efforts.
• Build strong relationships with parents through professionalism, communication, and responsiveness.
• Embrace other organizational leadership responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Artistic Director of Ragazzi Boys Chorus will be a people-oriented and highly interactive leader who builds strong relationships and communicates effectively with singers, families, staff, and community partners, fostering a culture of trust, engagement, and shared purpose. Deeply attuned to the needs and experiences of choristers and audiences, they will shape programs that inspire musical excellence while remaining accessible and meaningful. Versatile and adaptable, they will navigate a dynamic artistic environment with ease, balancing performance demands, educational priorities, and organizational goals. Guided by a harmonious and collaborative approach, they will value diverse perspectives and contribute selflessly within a team-driven culture, prioritizing collective success over individual recognition. Of the highest character, they will demonstrate kindness, consideration, and sound judgment, making decisions that balance the needs of the organization with the care and well-being of each singer entrusted to Ragazzi. Structured and disciplined, they will rely on proven methods and consistent systems to ensure artistic quality and organizational effectiveness. Grounded in an altruistic orientation, they will be motivated by service and committed to creating transformative musical experiences.Other key competencies include:
• Diplomacy and Personal Accountability – The capability to effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues while being answerable for personal actions.
• Leadership – The capacity to organize, support, and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose and direction.
• Time and Priority Management – The organizational acumen to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Teamwork and Self-Starting – The aptitude to cooperate with others to meet objectives while demonstrating initiative and willingness to begin working.Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in music is required, with an advanced degree preferred, along with at least eight to 10 years of progressively responsible leadership in a choral program. Demonstrated success in artistic direction, organizational leadership, and planning is essential, as is a strong record of program development and community engagement. The Artistic Director will bring proven experience managing and inspiring teams of artistic staff, as well as working effectively with a board of directors and diverse stakeholders. Exceptional musical expertise, including choral pedagogy, experience with the various methodologies employed in choral training and the ability to work with children’s social-emotional development, is necessary. The Artistic Director should also possess an understanding of the specific development needs of boys’ voices during adolescence, with particular focus on alto and soprano voices. The ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative and mission-driven approach.
Compensation and Benefits
Ragazzi offers a competitive and equitable compensation package, with a base salary estimated between $130,000 and $150,000. Candidates with significant financial or fundraising experience may be considered for an Artistic and Executive Director role, with a salary of up to $180,000.
Benefits include a range of health coverage options, with Ragazzi Boys Chorus contributing 70% of premium costs for employees’ choice of medical plans, including Anthem Blue Cross Gold PPO E, Anthem Blue Cross Silver PPO C, Kaiser Gold HMO B, and Kaiser Gold HMO D. Comprehensive dental coverage is provided through the Humana Dental PPO, and vision coverage is offered through the Humana Vision Plus 200 plan, both fully employer-paid. Ragazzi also supports long-term financial planning through a Vanguard 403(b) retirement savings program, allowing employees to make elective pre-tax or Roth contributions beginning with their first eligible payroll. Ragazzi offers a robust paid time off policy, including 15 days of PTO annually and 10 paid holidays each year. In addition, Ragazzi provides paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s Day without requiring employees to use vacation time.
Applications and Inquiries
To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please visit
https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/ragazzi-boys-chorus-seeks-artistic-director/Ragazzi Boys Chorus is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment that reflects the diversity of the Bay Area communities it serves. Guided by its mission to develop confident young musicians and leaders through excellence in music education and performance, Ragazzi welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, socioeconomic background, or national origin.
- The Trump Administration Is Dismantling Support For Social Science Research
If the National Science Foundation does stop funding social scientists, experts told me, our 5,000-foot-view of American life will get foggier. The NSF, through the SBE division, is the primary funder of the “big three” social-science surveys, which have enabled the work of several generations of academics, economists, and policy wonks. – The Atlantic
- The World Is Becoming Automated Around Us. Are Humans Losing Autonomy?
Computers talk to computers, producing information to train computers to sound more like humans or to better engage them. Humans type into the box, scroll, and wait. – The Atlantic
- A Dancer Helping To Redefine What A Ballet Body Is
Ballet has a reputation for upholding rigid body standards. In recent years, though, the art form has been rethinking its relationship to diversity in areas like race and body type. – The New York Times
- How Alice Walton Culturally Transformed A Corner Of Arkansas
It’s impossible to miss the scope of transformation that’s happened in Bentonville, population 63,000. – Fast Company
- Just What Does “American” Architecture Look Like In 2026?
A new book makes the case that when it comes to evolving forms and styles in American architecture, a new generation of firms is drawing inspiration from not just place and local architectural heritage, but the place a building like the Girls Inc. Youth Farm will play in the community. – Fast Company
- Not So Fast: Interior Secretary Won’t Commit To Removing Trump Name From The Kennedy Center
Secretary Burgum’s hedging came as Trump attacked the decision and the judge behind it on social media Friday and Saturday. – Time
- What We Need To Do To Get America Reading Again
Teaching people to read and building a world where they can do so are different problems. Throwing our phones in the lake can’t bring about that world, but designing the conditions for reading will. – The New York Times
- Statement of Fact<a href="https://www.artsjournal.com/herman/2026/06/statement-of-fact.html" title="Statement of Fact” rel=”nofollow”>In my generation’s war, our
- Facebook Whistleblower Forced To Stay Silent On Hay Festival By Meta
Sarah Wynn-Williams, whose bestselling memoir, Careless People, details her years working at Facebook, was due to appear in conversation with the investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr and academic Tim Wu. Instead, Wynn-Williams sat on stage for the hour-long discussion without speaking or responding. She was unable even to nod or shake her head. – The Gaurdian
- AI-Created Music Is Now Overwhelming Playlists
AI music has gone viral before and charted before, but song generators are now good and fast enough that they can flood the zone, creating tracks that slip past the safeguards of major streaming platforms and distributors. Spam-filtering systems can do only so much to stem the flow. – The Atlantic
- A Trio Of Prominent Art Critics Has Just Retired. Here’s What We’ve Lost
The trio were not only the most influential, but also the most gainfully employed—two factors that have everything to do with each other. – ARTnews
- Presidio Theatre seeks Executive Director
Organization
Presidio Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts center and cultural destination dedicated to presenting high-quality live performances and fostering vibrant artistic experiences for the San Francisco Bay Area. Located within the Presidio of San Francisco, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most visited sites in the National Park Service, the Presidio Theatre serves as a dynamic venue for music, theatre, dance, film, and multidisciplinary events. Presidio Theatre’s mission is to ensure that the magic of live performance is accessible to the entire community. By reawakening an architectural jewel in the Presidio and creating a professionally run venue that reflects the rich diversity of the Bay Area, the Presidio Theatre encourages artists to grow and flourish. With a focus on accessibility and community engagement, Presidio Theatre brings together local, regional, national, and international artists while providing a welcoming space where audiences can experience the transformative power of live performance.
Revitalized as an architectural and cultural asset, Presidio Theatre operates as a 612-seat venue with an adjacent outdoor event plaza, offering a flexible and inviting setting for a wide range of performances and gatherings. The organization prioritizes partnerships with local arts organizations and resident companies, supporting them in presenting programming, expanding audiences, and advancing their artistic work. Its seasonal offerings reflect the breadth of the performing arts, featuring acclaimed musicians, dance companies, theatrical productions, films, and world premieres, alongside collaborations with community-based organizations that deepen local engagement and participation.
The Presidio Theatre’s programming spans genres and cultures, from film, jazz, classical, and global music to contemporary dance, circus arts, and innovative theatrical productions. The Presidio Theatre’s annual Panto in the Presidio (Panto) has become its flagship production with consistent audience demand and citywide recognition. Now attracting more than 14,000 attendees annually, the Panto has become deeply associated with the Presidio Theatre’s public identity and serves as a major driver of community engagement. The Presidio Theatre regularly hosts internationally recognized artists and ensembles while also serving as a home for Bay Area organizations, creating a balanced ecosystem of presenting and rental activity. Through initiatives such as resident company partnerships and membership programs, Presidio Theatre fosters a sense of community and connection, offering audiences meaningful opportunities to engage with artists and the creative process.
Through its commitment to artistic excellence, accessibility, and collaboration, Presidio Theatre plays a vital role in San Francisco’s cultural landscape. By providing a platform for distinct voices and creative expression, the Theatre not only supports the growth of artists and arts organizations but also strengthens the broader community’s connection to the performing arts, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of cultural life in the Bay Area.
Presidio Theatre currently has a four-member board of directors led by Chair Peggy Haas. The Executive Director reports to the Board and has six direct reports, including Concessions, Box Office Manager, Director of Development, Director of Programming, Senior Technical Director, and the Interim Director of Communications. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Presidio Theatre’s financial statements reported a total operating budget of $5.2 million, and the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, is $6.9 million. The operating budget for Panto for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, was $1.7 million, and the operating budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, is $2.9 million.
Sources: edited from presidiotheatre.org; propublica.org
Community
Situated on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, San Francisco is a globally recognized city known for its rich history, vibrant population, and dynamic civic and cultural life. As both a city and a county, San Francisco serves as a major economic, cultural, and governmental hub for the region. The city is home to a population of over 800,000 residents and is characterized by its distinct neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and strong commitment to public services, equity, and sustainability. Its location along the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, combined with its compact urban form, contributes to a highly walkable and transit-oriented environment that connects residents and visitors across the city.
San Francisco offers an exceptional quality of life shaped by its unique geography, robust public infrastructure, and vibrant communities. The city features an extensive network of parks, open spaces, and waterfront areas, alongside a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, light rail, and regional connections. Its neighborhoods, ranging from historic districts to emerging cultural corridors, provide a mix of housing, commerce, and community amenities. The city is also a major destination for tourism, drawing visitors from around the world to its iconic sites, scenic vistas, and rich culinary and commercial offerings.
Arts and culture are integral to San Francisco’s identity, supported by a wide range of public programs, cultural institutions, and community-based initiatives. The city invests in arts and cultural development through public funding, policy, and partnerships that promote access, equity, and creative expression. Cultural organizations, artists, and residents contribute to a thriving ecosystem that reflects the city’s innovation. Through its commitment to civic engagement, inclusion, and the arts, San Francisco continues to foster a vibrant cultural landscape that enriches community life and positions the city as a leading center for creativity and cultural exchange.
Sources: www.sf.gov; census.gov
Position Summary
The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer and primary strategic and operational leader of the Presidio Theatre, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission and ensure long-term financial sustainability. The Executive Director will guide all aspects of the Presidio Theatre’s administrative, marketing, financial, and programmatic functions, developing comprehensive business and operating plans that position the Presidio Theatre primarily as a vibrant venue for local arts organizations. The Executive Director will design and implement a dynamic booking strategy that balances programming, maximizes facility usage, and attracts broad audiences and community partners, while elevating the Presidio Theatre’s brand and visibility across the Bay Area.
The Executive Director will oversee all operational policies and procedures, including scheduling, rentals, box office operations, marketing, production, and guest services, fostering an environment that is welcoming and accessible to artists, audiences, and renters. In collaboration with the Board, the Executive Director will develop and manage annual and multi-year budgets, strengthen financial systems, and lead a comprehensive fundraising initiative encompassing individual, corporate, foundation, and government support.
Roles and Responsibilities
External Relations & Representation
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to advance a clear strategic vision that supports access, community engagement, and financial sustainability.
• Serve as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for the Presidio Theatre across the Bay Area and within the Presidio.
• Oversee Board recruitment and development in partnership with the board chair and the existing Board of Directors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local government, business, civic, and arts organizations.
• Position the Presidio Theatre as a vital cultural resource that responds to community needs through the performing arts.
• Embrace other external relations and representation responsibilities as needed.Strategic Operations
• Develop and implement comprehensive business and operating plans for current and future seasons.
• Design and execute a booking strategy that prioritizes local arts organizations, ensures a variety of programming, and maximizes daily usage of the facility.
• Establish and refine policies and procedures for scheduling, rentals, box office, production, marketing, media, and hospitality.
• Foster a welcoming, user-friendly environment for audiences, artists, and rental partners.
• Embrace additional strategic operations responsibilities as needed.Financial Stewardship & Resource Development
• Develop annual and multi-year operating budgets in partnership with the Board and monitor performance against financial goals.
• Strengthen fiscal policies, financial systems, and internal controls.
• Drive earned revenue through rentals, ticket sales, sponsorships, and other income streams.
• Lead and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies across individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources in partnership with the director of development.
• Embrace other financial stewardship and resource development responsibilities as needed.Artistic & Program Strategy
• Advance Presidio Theatre’s role as a premier venue for local, regional, and visiting arts organizations.
• Ensure balanced, high-quality programming that attracts broad audiences and reflects a wide range of artistic disciplines.
• Promote and strengthen the Presidio Theatre’s artistic identity while advancing the founder’s vision of championing Bay Area artists.
• Embrace additional artistic and program strategy responsibilities as needed.Partnerships & Community Connection
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Presidio Theatre and the Presidio Trust, ensuring compliance and a strong working relationship.
• Engage community stakeholders to identify partnerships and expand access to the arts.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships that support audience development and deepen community engagement.
• Nurture long-term artistic relationships to position Presidio Theatre as a collaborative partner.
• Embrace other partnerships and community connection responsibilities as needed.Team Leadership & Organizational Development
• Assess organizational structure and identify personnel needs aligned with strategic priorities.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and professional development of staff.
• Lead, motivate, supervise, and evaluate staff to foster a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Mentor staff to enhance core competencies and leadership readiness, driving the creation of a sustainable succession plan.
• Embrace other team leadership and organizational development responsibilities as needed.Traits and Characteristics
The Executive Director of Presidio Theatre will be a highly interactive and people-oriented leader who excels at building rapport and fostering meaningful relationships with artists, audiences, donors, staff, board members, and community partners. Customer- and community-centered, they will prioritize creating engaging and responsive experiences that reflect the needs and expectations of constituents while advancing Presidio Theatre’s mission and visibility. Versatile and adaptable, they will navigate a dynamic environment with ease, balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demands. Guided by a harmonious and collaborative approach, they will value various perspectives, approach work with patience, humility, and a willingness to learn, and cultivate a supportive and inclusive organizational culture. Drawing on experience, intuition, and thoughtful judgment, they will make informed decisions while remaining open to learning and new ideas. Grounded in an altruistic orientation, they will lead with empathy, service, and a deep commitment to enriching the community through the performing arts.
Other key competencies include:
• Teamwork and Diplomacy – The capability to cooperate with others to meet objectives while effectively and tactfully handling difficult or sensitive issues.
• Conflict Management – The organizational acumen to understand, address, and resolve conflicts constructively.
• Personal Accountability – The capacity to be answerable for personal actions.
• Customer Focus – The aptitude to anticipate, meet, and/or exceed customer needs, wants, and expectations.
• Leadership – The ability to organize and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose and direction.
• Employee Development/Coaching – The competence to facilitate, support, and contribute to the professional growth of others.Qualifications
An undergraduate degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field is desired, along with demonstrated leadership experience in the performing arts or nonprofit sector. The ideal candidate will bring a strong record of success in operating a theatre or cultural venue as a community resource, with broad knowledge of performing arts, film, and speaker programming, and proven experience in theatre and facilities management, audience development, fundraising, and financial oversight. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to build organizational infrastructure within a growing nonprofit, effectively engage and partner with a board of directors, and lead, develop, and motivate staff. A track record of securing significant support through sponsorships, major gifts, and foundation grants is essential, along with strong budgeting and financial management skills. The candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to equity, inclusion, and access, and the ability to work effectively with artists, audiences, and community stakeholders, while bringing a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and solutions-oriented leadership style grounded in empathy, sound judgment, and professionalism.
Compensation and Benefits
Presidio Theatre provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated base salary in the range of $200,000 to $220,000. Benefits include access to a comprehensive health insurance program through CaliforniaChoice, offering a range of HMO and PPO plan options from leading providers, with the employer contributing approximately 80% of the premium cost for employees. Additional benefits include paid time off, holidays, and relocation assistance.
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/presidio-theatre-seeks-executive-director/
The Presidio Theatre welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race,
gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or national origin. - Dance Is Getting Its Moment – In Advertising
Why so much dance on TV lately? “Where the goal is to quickly get and then hold the viewer’s attention, energetic movement is a straightforward strategy. Dance’s graphic elements immediately catch the eye, and they can make that gaze linger.” – Dance Magazine
- Newer Streamers, Even Ones From Well-Established Channels, Hope For An Emmy Boost
Peacock and Paramount+ have high hopes. “Emmy success can still bring tangible benefits. Even the commitment to campaigning can move the needle, especially for two streamers looking to recruit more talent to their ranks.” – Los Angeles Times (Yahoo)
