Shea’s Performing Arts Center has selected William Patti as General Manager, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). He began his tenure on November 4, 2019.
An experienced arts educator specializing in acting and directing, Mr. Patti brings more than 10 years of theater management experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as the Artistic Director of the Highlands Playhouse in North Carolina after two years as Theater Manager. In this role, Mr. Patti achieved record ticket sales, assisted with the transition into a new facility, enhanced the Children’s Theatre Program, and oversaw all daily summer operations. Prior to his tenure with Highlands Playhouse, Mr. Patti held various roles at the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. As Director of Theatre, he oversaw the entire yearly production calendar and budget and developed and taught several courses as a faculty member of the English Department, including American Drama, American Literature, and Literary Studies. Mr. Patti has also served on the faculty of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Georgia as Cirque Director, Director of Theatre Productions, and Director of the Performing Arts.
Mr. Patti’s productions have received an array of accolades, including the Shuler Hensley Award from the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards, Best Direction and Best New Play from the Virginia Theatre Association, and various placements in the Region 8A One-Act Competition. Mr. Patti holds a bachelor of arts degree in English and a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre studies from Niagara University in New York. He also holds a master of fine arts degree in acting from Kent State University in Ohio.
In making the announcement, Shea’s Performing Arts Center President Michael G. Murphy said, “We are thrilled to welcome Bill home to Buffalo and to the Shea’s team. Bill brings both expansive expertise and knowledge of theater to this position. His passion and enthusiasm for Western New York will greatly benefit both Shea’s and the region as we look to enhance and expand our work supporting the arts in the region.”
“When Michael shared his vision for Shea’s Performing Arts Center, I was inspired and immediately knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Mr. Patti. “From the iconic Shea’s Buffalo Theatre to Shea’s 710 Theatre, the latest space to be added to the Shea’s Performing Arts Center campus, we see that the Buffalo Theatre District is really taking off. I am excited to be part of the resurgence of this city that I get to call home and be a part of a team committed to bringing the best of live performance to Western New York.
“Congratulations to Shea’s Performing Arts Center and to William Patti on his appointment as General Manager,” said ACG Vice President Jenna Deja. “We have full confidence that Mr. Patti’s extensive theater experience combined with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry will assist Shea’s in developing community relationships, increasing program vibrancy, and expanding local and national impact.”
September 2020