Top 7 Things I wish I had known before I became a Theatre Executive

I have come to the 5 year anniversary of my time with Passage Theatre. In fact this is 5 years from the very day in which I had surgery on both knees after a bad fall outside the Playhouse. Some of you may or may not know that I ruptured both of my patella tendons in a very bad fall outside the Mill Hill Playhouse with less than 3 weeks on the job. I took the job as Passage’s Production Manager, ended my acting career, and literally broke both legs. The show must go on. In fact I have been promoted 3 times and it almost seems unimaginable that I am Passage’s first Executive Artistic Director since June Ballinger left the company in 2017. As I turn the page on my own career, and on the legacy of Passage Theatre, there are 7 key lessons I wish someone would have imparted to me. So here they are for you.

1. It’s ok if you don’t have all the answers: No one expects you to be a genius all the time. There is no shame in Googling and researching, coming back to the next meeting more prepared.

2. You can’t do everything: DELEGATE. Oftentimes the job of a leader is hiring the right people, putting the right experts in place. You don’t need to figure out audio engineering, you need to hire the best audio engineer available.

3. Theatre is no longer your passion, it is now your career, so PACE YOURSELF: You can’t do everything in one 8 hour day, and by turning that into a 16 hour day you only set yourself up for eventual burnout. I’ve seen it happen so many times to so many people. Find time for family, for friends, for leisure. Get your work done, sure, but goof off with your brothers and play with your child, take your wife out for dinner. The job will always be there.

4. The work never ends: Now that you are the top position in a company, there will ALWAYS be work to do. Don’t look for a good stopping point, don’t try and finish up everything. At 6pm, hit save, and go home. You will be back tomorrow.

5. There is no magic solution to fundraising: The 64 million dollar grant isn’t coming, it may one day and then all your problems will be solved, but until then… a donor base is built one patron at a time. Be they a $10 donor, a $10,000 donor, or a government officer in charge of a $100,000 grant.

6. Talk about the company all the time: As the executive director, you are the biggest advocate for your theatre. Every conversation is an opportunity to share the story of Passage Theatre. Through these discussions, I’ve gained invaluable insights from community members and deepened our connection to the people we serve. Don’t be shy about promoting your company—your passion can inspire others to get involved.

7. You were hired to lead, so lead: After a few months in this role, you’ll find that you know more about the company than anyone else. With this knowledge comes the responsibility to make decisions, often without waiting for approval from others. Trust your instincts, follow the rules, but don’t hesitate to take action when you see a problem and its solution. Leadership requires decisiveness, and that’s a skill you’ll continue to develop over time.

I am in a good place. Our beloved theatre is in a good place. May this 40th season celebration be a time of new beginnings. May you find safe Passage.

—Brishen Miller, Executive Artistic Director

Passage Theatre Company