Producer Hub Welcomes Dani Barlow as Inaugural Programming Director

PRODUCER HUB has named Dani Barlow as the inaugural Programming Director, beginning July 14. This role, in co-leadership with the Producing Director Michael Francis, will develop and manage diverse programming initiatives, foster partnerships, and contribute to the organization’s strategic direction.
 
"I am thrilled to be joining Producer Hub’s leadership team alongside Michael, and to work with the rest of the staff on this next chapter in the organization's life,” said Dani Barlow. As someone who is deeply inspired by artists and is passionate about supporting them, I am excited to be stepping into this role to develop and manage programming in service of independent producers and artists. I am looking forward to bringing my experience to the table and being in conversation with the artistic community at Producer Hub to continue to build something together that allows artistic work to reach its full potential."
 
Along with Michael, Dani will be joining the Producer Hub team comprised of Operations & Fiscal Sponsorship Manager Katie Dragone, Communications & Engagement Manager Cindy Tsai, Operations Coordinator Kate Mantyh, and Board of Directors members Adam Hyndman (Board President), Mara Isaacs (Co-Founder & Board Treasurer), Ronee Penoi (Co-Founder & Board Member), and Liz Engelman (Board Secretary).
 
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is with great delight that we welcome Dani Barlow into the energetic and burgeoning community that exists at Producer Hub. We are thrilled that her passion, perspective, and diligence will be at the helm of leadership in this inaugural role of Programming Director. Dani brings a clear and measured vision to her facilitation, and I look forward to the ways in which our network of artists, independent producers, and community organizations will be supported by her thoughtful programming that prioritizes people first and foremost,” said Adam Hyndman, Producer Hub Board President. “Dani's resilience, adaptability, and joyful spirit are parts of the rich skill set that makes her perfect for this position. She will be an asset in the future collaboration with our team, who have established remarkable impact in the field with vital services like fiscal sponsorship and free resource databases. I foresee a bright season ahead with Dani, as Producer Hub continues to rise to the occasion in helping art-markers navigate the complexities within our arts ecosystem."
 

Dani Barlow

(she/her) is an arts manager who most recently served as the Foundation Director of Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the non-profit of the Union for stage directors and choreographers. In this role, she was responsible for all programming efforts, led the organization through all aspects of operations, finances, and fundraising, and provided overall organizational vision and leadership. Prior to SDCF, she held the role of Interim Associate Producer at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, DC, where she provided support for productions in the 2020-21 season, including Telephonic Literary Union’s Human Resources, This Is Who I Am by Amir Nizar Zuabi, and Hi, Are You Single? by Ryan J Haddad. While getting her MFA in theater management from Yale School of Drama, she held the positions of Associate Director of Development and Alumni Affairs for Yale Repertory Theatre and the School of Drama, and Company Manager of Yale Repertory Theatre. Dani completed her Management Fellowship in Chicago at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with Executive Director David Schmitz. During her graduate studies, she authored a case study on shared organizational leadership and transition at The Lark Theatre Company and served as Producing Director of the Dwight/Edgewood Project, a community outreach summer playwriting program for middle school students.
 
Prior to graduate school, she was with Woolly Mammoth as the Executive Assistant to Howard Shalwitz, Founding Artistic Director, and Meghan Pressman, Managing Director. Dani has also held positions at Studio Theatre and Round House Theatre and has served as a grant review panelist for the DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities, New York State Council on the Arts, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Dani holds an MFA in Theater Management from the Yale School of Drama and a BA in Theater and Business Administration from Muhlenberg College. At Yale, she was the recipient of the George C. White Prize in Theater Management. Dani currently serves on the Tony Awards Nominating Committee. In 2022, Dani was featured as one of American Theatre Magazine’s “Top 10 Rising Black Women+ to Watch in Theatre.”