BACKGROUND
Syracuse Stage ("Stage"), Central New York's premier professional theatre, seeks its next Managing Director, who will join Artistic Director Robert M. Hupp to lead this storied organization. Celebrating its 50th season, Stage has continuously produced world-class professional theatre since 1974. As the nonprofit, resident professional theatre in residence at Syracuse University, it has been integral to the success of the Department of Drama, one of the leading undergraduate theatre programs in the country. While embedded in the University, Stage is a separate 501(c)(3) organization, governed by its own Board of Trustees.
Over the past half-century, Stage has produced more than 300 plays, including a number of world, American, and East Coast premieres. Each season, 70,000 patrons enjoy an adventurous mix of new plays and bold interpretations of classics and musicals. America's leading writers, actors, directors and designers work and/or have worked at Stage and recent seasons have included new works by Brian Quijada, Rogelio Martinez, Ty Defoe, resident playwright Kyle Bass, Keenan Scott and others. Last year, Stage received $1 million, the largest gift in the theatre's history, to support new work at Stage and the Cold Read Festival of New Plays. Stage has launched two Broadway transfers since the pandemic: Thoughts of a Colored Man (2022) and How to Dance in Ohio (2023). In addition, Stage maintains a vital educational outreach program that annually serves over 30,000 students from 24 counties. A solid core of subscribers and supporters helps keep Stage a vibrant artistic presence in Central New York.
Additional support from government, foundations, corporations and Syracuse University helps to ensure the continued role of Stage as a valued cultural resource for the community. More information can be found on their website: .
MISSION, VISION & VALUES
Syracuse Stage is a deeply values-rooted organization with a priority on "people first." There is immense commitment to the community and to education.
Mission:
Syracuse Stage tells stories that engage, entertain, and inspire us to see
life beyond our own experience. Vision:
Reimagining what's possible for regional theatre-through active inclusion,
innovative outreach, and bold productions-Syracuse Stage shapes the cultural
and social vitality of Central New York, enriches the Syracuse University
student experience, and fosters change in ourselves, our communities, and our
world. Core Values:
PEOPLE
Actively including diverse individuals, communities, ideas and perspectives. PASSION
Commitment to integrity, excellence and enthusiasm in our work. CURIOSITY
Fostering an innovative and adaptive environment that elicits wonder. Stage's Anti-Racism Action Plan may be found here .
LEADERSHIP
Robert M. Hupp, Artistic Director
Robert Hupp joined Stage in 2016 as its fifth Artistic Director. He previously served as Producing Artistic Director of Arkansas Repertory Theatre (Little Rock) and as Artistic Director of Jean Cocteau Repertory. He has held faculty positions at Dickinson College and the University of Arkansas as well as serving as Vice President on the Board of Theatre Communications Group. A full bio may be found here .
Board of Trustees
Syracuse Stage is governed by a Board of 40 individuals, including educators, volunteers, and business and community leaders. There is an Executive Committee of 11 trustees. Seven trustees are faculty and staff members, appointed by the Chancellor of Syracuse University. The Board Chair is Richard Driscoll, Senior Vice President of NBT Bank, and the Board President is Herman Frazier, Senior Deputy Athletics Director of Syracuse University.
CURRENT ENVIRONMENT
Stage's location on the northern edge of campus perfectly positions it to connect the University to the broader Syracuse community via the performing arts and performing arts education. Its facilities are shared with the Department of Drama. Mainstage productions occur primarily in the Archbold Theatre, a 499-seat proscenium.
Stage production and technical personnel build most productions in onsite scenic, prop, and costume shops (scenic painting occurs in a separate location nearby). These individuals also support productions of the Department of Drama. There are ten artist housing units a short walk from Stage.
The 2024-25 season is composed of seven productions (including one co-production with the Department of Drama). The project 2024-25 budget is $8.6 million (up from a 2023-24 budget of $8 million). In 2023-24, approximately 29% of income came from contributed and in-kind sources, 38% from earned income, and 33% from the University. Additionally, approximately four Stage staff positions are considered University employees and paid through the University (though charged to Stage).
There are 31 full-time staff positions and up to 170 part-time, seasonal and contract positions. Stage operates on LORT C1 AEA, SDC and USA contracts.
Stage has robust education and community engagement programs, including the following:
Theatre for the Very Young (ages five and under), touring to preschools and daycare facilities;
An annual Children's Tour (grades K-5) across four counties (in association with the Department of Drama);
Backstory (grades 6-8), a solo performer tour across three counties;
Young Playwrights Festival (grades 9-12), an annual ten-minute play festival (in association with the Department of Drama);
Young Adult Council (grades 9-12), a monthly workshop;
Sensory Friendly Performances;
Community Partnerships with multiple organizations in Syracuse.
ABOUT SYRACUSE
Syracuse is the 5th largest city in New York State, with a population of approximately 650,000 in the metropolitan area. The surrounding region has beautiful towns and is known for lakes, apple picking, and snow sports. The area also has the benefit of being affordable relative to many other major urban centers; Syracuse's average cost of living is approximately 36% lower than in Brooklyn, NY. The city has an international airport and is within driving distance of Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, Toronto, Lake Ontario and other major cities. Winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing are popular, with Labrador Mountain and other resorts nearby. Along with Syracuse University, the area is home to the Everson Museum of Art and two SUNY schools. Syracuse is anticipating major changes in the coming years, with semiconductor manufacturer Micron Technologies investing $100 billion to build a campus in Syracuse's northern suburbs. In addition, at present, Interstate 81 runs through the center of Syracuse, separating Syracuse Stage from nearby downtown; however, by 2028, that interstate will be replaced by neighborhoods and an urban boulevard. ; Data USA: Syracuse .
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
In many ways, Syracuse Stage is in a good position relative to its peers. It has a strong artistic reputation and niche in the region and a dedicated, experienced team. Here are some key areas to note:
Stage currently has a mutually beneficial relationship with Syracuse University, with financial support, and systems for communication and collaboration in place. That said, the relationship does involve collaborative expectations for Stage in areas like facility improvement, public messaging and fundraising.
Within the next few years, turnover will occur in key roles at Syracuse University, so the relationship between Stage and the University is likely to require especially thoughtful stewardship.
Stage has financial reserves in place and benefits from a healthy recent track record of coproductions and commercial enhancement. However, the organization is anticipating a planned deficit in FY25 and has work to do to rebuild true financial sustainability in a post-pandemic environment.
The staff/board dynamic is healthy, and Stage has many supporters who have been involved for years. Growth potential remains in developing the patron experience and growing Stage's fundraising, as the theater builds its visibility and impact in the region.
By all accounts, Stage has a truly people-centered culture. In support of that culture, work has begun to develop more robust HR systems, and the new Managing Director will need to continue that work.
The Syracuse region is anticipating significant growth and transformation in coming years (see "About Syracuse"), and the Managing Director will need to play an important role in ensuring that Stage can benefit from and contribute to these changes in the community.
PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Managing Director reports directly to the Syracuse Stage Board and co-leads the organization with the Artistic Director. The key priorities of the position include the following:
Co-lead Syracuse Stage, collaborating with the Artistic Director to develop organizational vision and strategies, ensuring that the Stage mission, goals and objectives are rigorously pursued.
Serve as part of the Stage/University leadership team. The new Managing Director will have the opportunity and option to teach in the VPA College, although this is not a requirement of the position.
Develop a highly collaborative relationship with the Artistic Director and Board.
In concert with the highly experienced General Manager, oversee day-to-day administrative operations and the organizational budget . click apply for full job details