Profile

Experienced arts professional with a focus on ensemble theatre companies and theatre for social change. AEA member with a range of stage management credits in Massachusetts, California and Pennsylvania. 10+ years expertise in production-based roles with ensemble companies in California and Michigan. Arts appreciator with frequent posts on dramatic criticism blog, focusing on theatre and film offerings. Strong believer in the power and opportunity of collaboration, community and creativity leading to impactful theatre experiences.

Experience

Full resume viewable online @ linkedin.com/in/jphitesman

Theatre Manager, The Hilberry Theatre August, 2014 – May, 2017

Detroit, Michigan

Responsible for a variety of publicity tasks for productions within 6-show season running throughout academic year. Also interface with front of house services. Worked to grow audience development initiatives relevant to the company’s subscriber base and location on a college campus. Participated in regular classwork related to arts management and engagement, leading to M.F.A. degree in May, 2017.

Operations Associate, Detroit Public Theatre September, 2016 – April, 2017

Detroit, Michigan

Focused audience development and outreach strategies for nascent company in its second year of critically acclaimed productions. Assisted with aspects of production of the two plays produced during the fall of 2016. Continued involvement with the company during the spring of 2017 through additional work with the co-artistic director and production assistance with the company’s season-closing newly written drama.

Artistic Associate, The Penny Seats May, 2013 – May, 2016

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Developed production and marketing strategies for an ensemble theatre company as it expanded resources and output from summer to year-round. Served in a variety of roles (production producer, assistant director, company marketing director, general advisor) throughout involvement with the group, which also included regular interface with the company president and board members.

Summer Associate, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse May, 2015 – August, 2015

Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts

Support staff for all summer projects and productions, which included a five show mainstage season, outdoor amphitheatre production, weekly reading series, and children’s educational theatre program. Specific duties included administrative support in main office (box office, telephone inquiries, design projects), house management for performances, and production management of amphitheatre production.

Freelance Stage Manager January, 2007 – May, 2013

Various locations, USA & England

Worked production contracts in lead, assistant and touring positions. Companies worked with included Theatre Exile (Philadelphia, PA), PCPA (Santa Maria, CA), Thick Description (San Francisco, CA), Porchlight (Ross, CA), Chester Theatre (Chester, MA), & New Repertory Theatre (Watertown, MA).

Shakespeare at San Quentin, Marin Shakespeare Company February – July, 2010

San Rafael, California

Assisted with production of (abridged) Romeo & Juliet at San Quentin State Prison featuring cast of male inmates and select local actresses. Facilitated weekly rehearsals with director, which focused on incorporating aspects of drama therapy and performance. Conducted additional offsite preparation work related to the ongoing rehearsals, leading up to a one-off performance which was featured on local news.

Education

Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan ~ 2017 

M.F.A. – Theatre Management

California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, California ~ 2011

M.A. – Psychology, Drama Therapy, Wilderness Studies

Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts ~ 2006

B.A. – Theatre, Social Change, Psychology