The ACT Theatre Board of Trustees has announced that Anita Shah will fill the role of their new Managing Director. Shah will begin the new position beginning on January 3, 2022.
ACT Board Chair Eric Bennett said, “Following our exhaustive search for a Managing Director aligned with the bold mission of ACT Theatre, we are incredibly excited that Anita Shah is joining the ACT family. Anita’s strong theatrical experience and business acumen will be essential to successfully re-opening ACT for our Spring 2022 season and to realize our ambitious strategic plan in the years to come.”
Shah boasts a long career in the theatre, beginning as a technician and then transitioning into producing and organizational leadership. She will also be bringing a solid venue management background to ACT. Prior to her recent move to Seattle, she worked in New York City on Broadway and with organizations such as Lincoln Center, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and most recently with Blue Man Group. Shah is a highly experienced, successful, and well-regarded leader in the theatre community.
“ I am excited to be joining the passionate team of theatre-makers at ACT. ACT has a rich history and I am honored to be a part of its ongoing story,” Shah said. “I am grateful to the entire ACT family for such a warm welcome. I look forward to working with such dedicated colleagues as we rethink what it means to make theatre, as we challenge ourselves and our audiences, and find new ways to deepen connections to our community. ”
Artistic Director John Langs added, “In this incredible time of change, we feel very fortunate to welcome Anita Shah. Her passion for the theatre as an art form, her depth and variety of experience and her vision for what this theatre can be, galvanized our search. She is a leader who shares ACT’s values and vision. ”
Shah will be replacing Mary Cadera, who has filled the role of Interim Managing Director. Cadera will remain at ACT through the end of the year and spend time with Shah in January to assist with a smooth transition.