Rich Affannato

Rich Affannato (Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of The STAGE Network) is responsible for developing new and existing Network content, implementing and maintaining its creative vision and direction, as well as managing and overseeing of production and operating budgets, executives, and STAGE staff. He also manages content acquisition, subscription oversight, licensing, sponsorships, investments, and corporate alliances.

Affannato has previously served in a similar capacity managing, developing, and overseeing commercial Broadway, Off-Broadway, Film, and Television productions, as well as International concert event management. He manages and operates Affannato Productions, LLC, a full service Production Company in New York City. Rich is a Tony(r) and Drama Desk Award-nominated producer, whose producing credits include the Kander and Ebb musical The Visit on Broadway starring Chita Rivera, Peter and the Starcatcher on Broadway (9 Tony nominations including Best Play, winning 5) and the First National Tour, ANN on Broadway (written by and starring Holland Taylor) at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre, and the critically acclaimed New York production of SILENCE! The Musical (Winner-Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical, Lucille Lortel nomination for Best Musical, Time Magazine's Top 10).

Rich's perspectives on broadcast media and theatre have been featured in Bloomberg Business Week, NAB, Digital News Daily, Broadcasting & Cable, Digital Hollywood, and Variety.