Dustin Brown
I am a director and theatrical administrator based out of Chicago, IL. I have broad ranging experience in leadership and administration, with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout my work. I believe theater’s highest purpose is to build and shape community narratives, and I believe that work is best done by sharing diverse stories in an earnest and engaging performance. I hold a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Oglethorpe University. During my graduate studies I had the opportunity to challenge myself as a director and develop a deeper understanding of theatrical techniques and pedagogy. Before moving to Illinois, I worked for a decade in the Atlanta market as a freelance director, production manager, and designer. I worked for seven seasons at Georgia Shakespeare, then served as production manager at Georgia Ensemble Theatre for three years. I stepped into the position of Associate Artistic Director after the sudden passing of Georgia Ensemble’s founding artistic director, Robert Farley. As a professional I’ve worked to develop skills in many different areas of production, direction, design, and administration. I currently serve as Artistic Director of Redtwist Theatre in the Historic Bryn Mawr district of Chicago.
Artistic Director
July 2022 - Present
Redtwist Theatre
Associate Artistic Director
December, 2017 -
August 2018
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
Casting Director
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
August, 2014 -
August 2017
Production Manager
Georgia Ensemble Theatre
August, 2014 -
August, 2017
Producing Artistic Director
August, 2011 -
August, 2018
Bottled Lightning
Associate Production Manager
October 2013 -
August 2014
Georgia Shakespeare
-
Review and select scripts, budget and coordinate productions.
-
Guide and collaborate with guest directors, designers, and actors.
-
Oversee staff and artistic operations of a Chicago storefront theatre, which has been active for over 20 years.
-
Review and select scripts, budget and coordinate productions.
-
Guide and collaborate with guest directors, designers, and actors.
-
Oversee staff and artistic operations of a professional regional theatre, which has been active in the Atlanta market for 25 years.
-
Worked with the Artistic Director to diversify casting pool and engage multicultural artists.
-
Coordinated auditions for musicals, modern and classical works, new plays, and theatre for young audiences.
-
Ran auditions for hundreds of local Atlanta actors.
-
Consulted with Artistic Director and guest directors on casting.
-
Prepare and adhere to a production budget for a regional theatre producing 5 main stage productions, 4 theatre for young audiences touring productions, a 4 concert big band series, and a summer park production.
-
Assist with designer selection and hiring, contract preparation, coordinate and lead concept and production meetings. Assist the artistic director and guest directors in achieving their artistic vision.
-
Conduct interviews with potential employees, make hiring decisions and job offers to full production staff.
-
Schedule all rehearsals, performances and special events.
-
Review and select scripts, budget and coordinate productions.
-
Find supporters, raise funding, promote productions.
-
Coordinate travel, housing, and payment for festival productions’ cast and crew.
-
Direct select productions and collaborate with guest directors and artists.
-
Coordinate and schedule professional vendors for production season, summer park productions, educational tours and events, and fundraisers.
-
Review and coordinate budget for a LORT D Theater.
-
Conduct interviews with potential employees, help with hiring decisions and contracts.
Education
Ohio University
2021
Masters of Fine Arts in Directing
Oglethorpe University
Bachelor of the Arts,
Theatre Major
2010