KATE CHERRY
Cambridge
Summary
A visionary leader with a proven track record at NIDA, driving a 175% increase in subscriptions through strategic planning and innovative programming. Expert in artistic vision and stakeholder collaboration, fostering community engagement and mentorship. Adept at problem-solving and relationship building, enhancing audience development and theatrical excellence.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Artistic Director
Emerson Stage
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Established an alumnae-led theater company, connecting graduating students with mentors and performance opportunities.
- Advocated for inclusive repertoire selection at Emerson Stage, enhancing casting opportunities for marginalized students.
Artist in Residence
Emerson College
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Expanded Emerson College's network by inviting four American guest artistic directors, with their fingers on the pulse of American theatre, to lead masterclasses, enriching the curriculum and exposing students to diverse perspectives in professional theater.
- Selected as the first director in Emerson College history to helm two productions within one season, directing both Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Little Women and A Doll’s House.
Director
State Opera Company of South Australia
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Nurtured the work of all company members, and mentored the emerging director and designer.
- Led artistic vision and direction for opera productions and performances.
- Managed budgets and resources for production planning and execution.
- Coordinated rehearsals and schedules to ensure timely preparation.
- Mentored emerging artists and staff in creative practices and techniques.
- Facilitated collaboration between teams by encouraging open communication channels.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
Director
Theatre180
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Guided community outreach programs and facilitated relationships with internal and external stakeholders, serving as an inspiring primary ambassador for the company.
- Directed I and You.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Coordinated resources across departments to maximize productivity levels.
- Coordinated rehearsals and schedules to ensure timely preparation.
Director/Chief Executive Officer
NIDA
Kensington
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Propelled NIDA into the top 10 global performing arts institutions (The Hollywood Reporter), advancing six places in 18 months through focused improvements, through a strategy of innovation, artistry, educational knowledge, and business acumen.
- Championed Indigenous inclusion by incorporating cultural advisors into curriculum discussions, ensuring authentic representation, and advocacy.
- Collaborated with universities to develop joint programs, leveraging academic background to enhance curriculum, artistic development, and research opportunities.
- Led the construction and launch of NIDA's Melbourne Campus (The Guild), ensuring adherence to strict timelines, resulting in zero cost overruns.
- Eradicated an inherited $650,000 deficit and brought NIDA back into surplus
- Programmed and supervised 20 multi-disciplinary productions per year including casting, marketing, direction and acting
- Promoted LGBTQI+ student safety and profile by establishing safe spaces, funding counsellors, and supporting NIDA's first-ever branded Mardi Gras float which engaged 200+ students
- Cultivated a vibrant learning environment at the newly opened Melbourne Guild by employing outstanding teaching artists, exceeding targets for student growth
- Negotiated government approval for NIDA’s strategic and business plan by reducing debt, making cultural change, and fostering a sustainable workplace through faculty development, effective management and strategic planning
- Created Changemakers Series, bridging students with industry leaders like Margot Robbie whose energy, drive and passion have had significant impact on the performing arts
Director
Seattle Opera
Seattle
07.2018 - 08.2018
- Led artistic vision and direction for opera productions and performances.
- Collaborated with composers, directors, and designers on creative projects.
- Developed community engagement programs to promote opera accessibility.
- Evaluated production outcomes to enhance future performance quality.
- Facilitated collaboration between teams by encouraging open communication channels.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to set long-term objectives for the company.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
- Served as a public spokesperson at industry events or conferences.
- Assessed employee performance against established benchmarks or targets.
Artistic Director/CO-CEO
Black Swan State Theatre Company
Perth Amboy
08.2008 - 08.2016
- Spearheaded transformation of Black Swan's artistic vision through innovative, diverse programming.
- Increased subscriptions by 175% by enhancing artistry and converting single ticket holders.
- Boosted single ticket sales by 100% via diverse programming and effective marketing strategies.
- Secured 146% growth in sponsorship by targeting key stakeholders and hosting engaging events.
- Achieved 422% increase in philanthropy through subscriber engagement and successful fundraising events.
- Negotiated landmark nine-year sponsorship with Rio Tinto, facilitating $20 tickets and $100K fund for new works.
- Produced 25 world premieres, three Australian premieres, and 25 Western Australian premieres.
- Transformed Black Swan into a flagship theatre company, leading civic engagement initiatives with 550 patrons annually.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Theater
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA06-1993
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Bard College
New York CityDrama League Alumnae - Williamson Leadership Graduate
Skills
- Artistic vision
- Repertoire selection
- Community engagement
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Dramaturg
- Team mentorship
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Creative thinking
- Public speaking
- Fundraising management
- Project management
- Theatrical development coordination
- Stage direction
- Audience development
- Artistic collaboration
- Script analysis
- Creative writing
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Artistic Director
Emerson Stage
01.2024 - 01.2025
Artist in Residence
Emerson College
01.2023 - 01.2025
Director
State Opera Company of South Australia
01.2019 - 01.2022
Director
Theatre180
01.2019 - 01.2022
Director
Seattle Opera
07.2018 - 08.2018
Director/Chief Executive Officer
NIDA
01.2016 - 01.2019
Artistic Director/CO-CEO
Black Swan State Theatre Company
08.2008 - 08.2016
Master of Fine Arts - Theater
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Bard College
Drama League Alumnae - Williamson Leadership Graduate
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