Arts Management: An Oxymoron?
or Turning the Work Into Play: Friday, July 29, 8:30 a.m. - Noon
Criss Henderson will explore some basic differences
between business and show business--along the way debunking
myths of the past two decades as arts administration
has emerged as a "legitimate" profession and a field of
study at universities across the country. Workshop participants
will take a fresh look at the idea of arts
management--and at turning the work into play.
Theater administration is looked upon often as the uncreative
partner in the artistic enterprise. But the same talents and
skills that shape our work onstage can further our work behind
the scenes, too. Why not "audition" a board prospect? "Cast" the
right person to complement your current staff? Or create the "set"
and "blocking" for an important upcoming meeting?
Throughout, Mr. Henderson will share experiences from his 15-year
tenure leading Chicago Shakespeare Theater from a "storefront"
start-up to one of America's largest not-for-profit theaters.
Under Criss Henderson's leadership as the Executive Director,
Chicago Shakespeare has become one of the city's major cultural attractions.
He oversaw the development and construction of the Theater's
new $24 million facility on Navy Pier. Mr. Henderson was honored at
The Kennedy Center as Arts Administrator of the Year for 2000. He
has been invited to serve on grant panels for the National Endowment
for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council and the Chicago Department of
Cultural Affairs. Mr. Henderson serves as president of the Producers'
Association of Chicago-area Theaters and on the executive committee
of the board of directors for the Illinois Arts Alliance and the League of
Chicago Theatres.