Bess Wallerstein Huff, Emba Email & Phone Number

Overland Park, Ks, Us

Kansas City, Mo, Us

Leads a high-performing team of sixteen full-time professionals in brand strategy, performance marketing, communications, ticket sales, and operations for one of the largest outdoor theatres in the U.S. Oversee PR, sponsorship development, group sales, special events, and creative initiatives, driving business growth and maximizing revenue streams. Focused on optimizing operational efficiency and elevating brand visibility for large-scale Broadway productions and live events, while cultivating strong community relationships in historic Swope Park, in Kansas City, MO.

Kansas City, Missouri, Us

Directed communications, media relations, and organizational branding efforts at the Kauffman Center, overseeing institutional and programmatic marketing, community engagement, and education/outreach initiatives. Spearheaded the development and execution of programming for the Kauffman Center Presents series, enhancing audience reach and engagement.Led crisis communications strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic, effectively managing internal and external messaging in collaboration with resident and community arts organizations to ensure seamless operations and stakeholder alignment.

Kansas City, Missouri, Us

Developed comprehensive institutional and programmatic marketing plans, strategically managing the annual marketing budget. Led negotiations for all media purchases and cultivated strong, ongoing relationships with regional media outlets.Forged impactful media and in-kind partnerships, driving cost-saving initiatives and bolstering capacity for operations, marketing, and organizational growth.Produced compelling copy and press materials for a wide array of channels, including print, radio, television, and digital platforms, ensuring consistent and effective messaging.Directed the strategy for all social media platforms, overseeing staff and managing daily communications to engage and grow audiences.Spearheaded the development of the Kauffman Center Presents programming, including flagship events like the National Geographic Live Series, a five-part event series.Pre-Grand Opening Responsibilities (Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Sept. 2011):Defined brand guidelines and programming strategy for the Kauffman Center Presents annual series.Structured contracts and established partnerships with community arts organizations to enhance inaugural season programming.Led the creation and execution of marketing strategies for the inaugural season, encompassing website development, social media content, and editorial oversight for grand opening print publications.

In response to COVID-19, Show Delivered brought high-quality performances directly to the community, showcasing the artists who shape our cultural landscape. By delivering live performing arts experiences to backyards, driveways, cul-de-sacs, and block parties, Show Delivered brought over 50 performances to neighborhoods across the Kansas City metro, from Olathe to Grain Valley and the Northland, ensuring that the arts remained accessible and vibrant during a challenging timeVisit www.showdelivered.com for more info

Owner and chief member of CounterClockwise Comedy, an experimental improvisational comedy group that delivered unique performances blending improv comedy, music, dance, stand-up, and sketch comedy.CounterClockwise Comedy provided entertainment for corporate clients, festivals, events, and nonprofit organizations. Notable clients included Burns & McDonnell, United Way of Kansas City, The Pitch Weekly, and Unity Village.Since 2008, CounterClockwise Comedy became known for its signature 'movie roasts'—live, improvised comedic commentary over films, in collaboration with Screenland Theatres. Performing monthly at three Screenland locations—Screenland at the Crossroads, Screenland Armor, and Screenland Crown Center—the group roasted over 50 iconic films, such as Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, Die Hard, and Jurassic Park.In 2010, the group developed Lebowski Live, an interactive viewing experience of The Big Lebowski at Screenland Armor, further expanding their innovative approach to entertainment

Kansas City, Missouri, Us

ted day-to-day operations and revenue strategies, including oversight of the annual budget and expenditures. Designed and executed membership campaigns, led annual audits, and developed a comprehensive donor tracking database.Planned and managed the organization’s annual fundraising gala, successfully leading a silent auction that contributed over 25% of the total operating budget.Established and oversaw a volunteer program, coordinating more than 270 volunteers to support park and festival operations. Increased corporate volunteer engagement by 40%.Recruited, hired, and managed a team of 10-15 professionals across key areas including box office, park operations, souvenir sales, park vendors, and administration for educational programs.

Founder and Principal, Environmental Theater Company, Kansas City, MOCreated immersive theater experiences in non-traditional spaces, engaging audiences in living theater.Established site-location partnerships and oversaw all artistic elements, including casting and production management.Developed and executed marketing and PR strategies to enhance audience engagement and drive ticket sales.Notable Performances:Arts or Crafts by Rob Roznowski (2009) at H&R Block Artspace in partnership with Kansas City Arts Institute.True West by Sam Shepard (2007) staged in an airstream trailer in a private backyard in Brookside.Museum by Tina Howe (2005) at Hudson Home Gallery in the Kansas City Crossroads art district.

Us

Supervised and directed all front-of-house services for theater presentations and productions, reviewing and approving production-related invoices while preparing budgets, box office statements, insurance requirements, settlements, and P&L reports for Broadway tours. Drafted show contracts and related documentation to ensure compliance with presenter standards while effectively managing costs within budget. Redesigned the volunteer program and oversaw a team of over 250 front-of-house ushers and door captains, establishing partnerships and trade agreements for volunteer events while adhering to strict budget constraints.

Master Of Business Administration - Mba - Executive Fellowship

Bachelor'S Degree, Performing Arts

Theater, Directing, Shakespeare, Women Auteurship And Theatrical Production