Dual Leadership in Not-for-Profit Regional Theatres

This essay examines the collaboration and coordination between the artistic and executive branches of regional theatre companies in the United States.  Information collected through interviews and email communications with not-for-profit theatre professionals across the country is presented to illustrate the different types of organizational structures and relationships seen at various theatre companies.  Many companies use the common structure of an Artistic Director and Executive Director at the same level, reporting to the Board of Directors, however there are examples of other structures in use.  Based on communications with these theatre professionals, the success of a given structure will vary greatly given the differences in individuals filling executive positions and the differences in organizational cultures across theatre companies.  Artistic and mission-related priorities weigh more heavily in the joint decision-making process for the companies included in the study, despite the fact that many operate under structures which place the artistic and administrative leaders on an equal level.