Chris Coleman and Dámaso Rodríguez

Over 60 years ago, theatre directors joined forces with community leaders around the country and created what is today a vibrant ecosystem of literally thousands of nonprofit theatres. These theatres have become inextricably bound to the character of a region, a city, a town. Large and small, these companies produce theatre at the highest level while serving as anchors for economic development and the fostering of an informed citizenry.  Now a generation or two removed from their founders, the missions of theatre companies are held in trust by Boards of Directors, but it’s the individual artist’s vision that brings the mission to life.  How do exceptional artists make that happen?  What is the interplay amongst and between theatres in a community?  What opportunities and challenges does artistic leadership bring to an individual director?  In conversation with Chris Coleman and Dámaso Rodríguez, artistic directors in Portland, Oregon, SDC explores how practicing directors braid their own personal artistry and ambition with organizational and community leadership.