David Kilpatrick Email & Phone Number

The mission of the Des Moines Community Playhouse is to change lives by entertaining, enriching and engaging the people of our community through producing high-quality theatrical presentations, vocational experiences, and life-long educational opportunities.

Executive Director for performing arts center with two performance spaces – 450 fixed seat theatre and 100 flexible seat theatre - and three studio classrooms. Responsible for the entire operations including programming, human resources, scheduling and physical plant management. Provide insight and guidance to board and committees responsible for a successful collaboration between two companies who share a desire to create theatre, but have distinctly different processes and cultures. Coordinated the successful completion of an $8.4 million capital campaign, supplemented with preparation of materials, public presentations and on-site tours. Managed the design phase bridging a committee of volunteers and a professional staff of architects and contractors. Worked very closely with general contractor and construction supervisor during the entire build phase.

Executive Director for a community theatre entering its 51th season. Hired to lead the company through the transition from a location of 44 years to a new facility. While overseeing the fundraising for a new building, as well as the design and construction, still responsible for day-to-day operations. With a permanent staff of six, guiding up to 350 volunteers annually, presented seven main stage productions. After moving into the new facility, productions have increased to 11 spread over three different locations (two in the building, one off-site). Staffing has expanded to a total of 19 full and part-time to accommodate the greater needs of the new facility.

Executive Director for an Equity SPT contract Theatre. Responsible for the entire fiscal operations, including sales, fundraising, audience development, hiring and contract negotiations. Oversaw the promotion and advertising for 16 separate productions for two theatre spaces and two touring companies. Managed a permanent staff of 11. As the Artistic Director, directed several productions, working with Equity and non-equity performers. Duties also included casting, script selection and general executive of the artistic aspects of the theatre. Annual artistic staff was a guest roster of 35+. $1.1 mil budget in a 300-seat permanent facility.

Creation and operation of a full service dinner theatre. Responsible for all aspects of the business including restaurant, production and front-of-house divisions. Negotiated all contracts: artistic, technical, and operational. Created and managed fiscal functions, including budget, expenditures and income tracking. Working with consultants, developed and implemented marketing plan. Year round operation with performances and special events occurring seven days a week.

Miami, Florida, Us

Primary liaison between shore-side entertainment department and onboard staff. Supervisor of six productions, each with a crew of fourteen performers and eight technicians. Managed the installation of each new cast, which included fulfilling all rehearsal and performance requirements. Coordinated the visiting guest artist performances and “Welcome Aboard” and “Farewell” shows. Responsible for training of technical staffs and supervision of maintenance of all theatrical equipment, including discotheque and other lounges. Representative to other ship's departments.

Ph.D., Theatre

Masters, Theatre

B.A., Theatre