Theatre Commons LA Appoints David E. Shane as First Executive Director
Theatre Commons LA has appointed David E. Shane as the organization’s first executive director to build a comprehensive suite of services for the regional theater community.
“What makes Los Angeles and Theatre in LA so unique is that it is deeply woven into the fabric of our communities – from neighborhood theaters and artists’ collectives to our larger institutions,” Snehal Desai, a steering committee member and Center Theatre Group artistic director, said.
Shane takes the helm as the nonprofit’s first permanent hire following a nationwide search conducted by a steering committee of 12 Los Angeles theater leaders. That committee convened in August 2021 to establish objectives for a new regional theater service organization. From 2019 to 2024, Shane served as director of program services at the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, where he managed programs supporting more than 450 nonprofit theaters.
Building Infrastructure and Securing Funding in Los Angeles
In his new role, Shane will develop a diversified fundraising strategy and build core infrastructure to secure long-term financial stability for Theatre Commons LA. This work may eventually include operating a regranting program designed to deliver resources directly to theaters across the region.
“I see service organizations as essential connective tissue in today’s theatre ecosystem, and I am prepared to position Theatre Commons LA as both mirror and catalyst — responding to the field’s current needs while actively fostering the conditions for a more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable future,” Shane said.
Shane will collaborate closely with institutional funders to bring both government and private resources to the local nonprofit theater sector. The organization is inviting local theater companies to join as members while encouraging civic partners and funders to support the shared infrastructure.
Next Steps for Theatre Commons LA Services
In the months ahead, Theatre Commons LA will roll out new programs and services for the field as it builds on the momentum of Shane’s appointment. Interested participants can visit TheatreCommonsLA.org to access information about upcoming programs, membership, and ways to get involved.
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