A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) has selected Anita Shah as Managing Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She began her tenure on January 3, 2022.
An experienced arts and entertainment executive, Shah most recently served as Senior Director, Creation and Production at Blue Man Productions. While there, she oversaw the Creation and Production departments, ensuring the success of her team while accounting for deliverables, timelines, and quality output. Shah championed artistic and operational excellence and spearheaded the development and growth of the Special Events Department to expand brand awareness and fiscal growth.
In addition to her time with Blue Man Productions, she has served as Director of Production at New York Live Arts, where she streamlined and improved departmental processes and increased organizational efficiency. Shah has also held roles as Operations Manager at Good Morning America and Production Manager at Aurora Productions, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and Rose Hall/Jazz at Lincoln Center. Shah graduated magna cum laude from Emerson College, earning a bachelor of fine arts degree.
In making the announcement, Board Chair Eric Bennett said, “Following our exhausting 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.”
Artistic Director John Lange 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 theater can be, galvanized our search. She is a leader who shares ACT’s values and vision.”
“I am excited to be joining the passionate team of theatre-makers at ACT,” said Shah. “ACT has a rich history and I am honored to be a part of its ongoing story. I am grateful to the entire ACT family for such a warm welcome. I look forward to working with my 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.”
“Congratulations to the board and staff of A Contemporary Theatre on the selection of Anita Shah as Managing Director,” said ACG Vice President Jenna Deja. “Anita brings her passion for theatre, as well as robust production experience in the industry. We are excited to see what the future holds for ACT with Shah helping to lead the way.”
February 2022