Martin Miller, photo by Roy Matusek, Courtesy of McCarter Theatre Center
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On June 28, 2023, McCarter Theatre Center announced that Martin Miller, who led the Obie Award-winning TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, Arkansas through a major transformation over more than a decade as its leader, has been named Executive Director. Miller, a Princeton resident with close ties to the community, joins McCarter from one of America's leading organizations for debuting new theatrical work, and will draw on his impressive experience growing an organization into a major powerhouse.
In thirteen years as Executive Director/Producer at TheatreSquared, Miller guided the company through remarkable growth, from three plays on a start-up budget to more than 400 performances and $7.5 million in revenue each year. He produced 135 plays and new play workshops, and led fundraising, design, and construction for the company’s two-venue, permanent home, winner of six national and international architectural awards. He has directly raised $44 million for the company, while working with teams to expand audiences more than twentyfold.
“The building blocks of leading a vibrant theater company are crafting ambitious strategic plans and delivering on them; building audiences and keeping and expanding them; raising funds and spending them wisely —all to support the creation of ever-more exciting artistic work,” said W. Rochelle Calhoun, President of McCarter Theatre Center’s Board of Trustees, who also chaired the company’s search committee. “Martin has proven his ability to do all this and more. We are thrilled to add his deep experience to our leadership team.”
Sarah Rasmussen and Martin Miller. Photo by Roy Matusek, Courtesy of McCarter Theatre Center
“McCarter is one of the great American arts centers and Princeton is a special place,” said Miller. “It’s a singular privilege to partner with Sarah Rasmussen, the Board, the talented staff, and most importantly, with this community to help launch its exciting next stage. You can feel the energy and excitement for what’s possible when you walk in the door. Here, there’s an incredible legacy to build on—and immeasurable potential for growth.”
Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen, who will continue to oversee all aspects of artistic direction, Miller, who begins his tenure as Executive Director on September 7, 2023, will help envision and operationalize McCarter’s strategic plan; guide finances, fundraising, and business strategy; build audiences while opening new avenues to access; forge and strengthen relationships across the Princeton community and throughout the region; advance the company’s core commitments to equity and inclusion; and serve as a tireless supporter and mentor to the staff. His wife, Elizabeth Margulis, is a professor at Princeton University and his three children attend Princeton Public Schools.
"I'm excited to partner with Martin as we thoughtfully connect with audiences and grow this beloved institution. We share a commitment to world class artistry that sparks the imagination and creates a center for conversation, community and belonging,” said Sarah Rasmussen, Artistic Director. “We are thrilled to align Martin's track record of getting big ideas off the ground with McCarter's strategic plans - including our signature collaborations with Princeton University and community partners.”
McCarter’s Search Committee, which was comprised of members of the Board of Trustees, was recognized by Ms. Calhoun for their exemplary work and the important role they played in identifying Mr. Miller for this position along with the firm Isaacson, Miller (IM), which led the national search. IM, which also conducted the search that resulted in the recent appointment of Paula Abreu as McCarter’s Director of Special Programming, is one of the country’s premier executive search firms devoted to recruiting exceptional leaders for mission-driven organizations. Ms. Calhoun acknowledged the extraordinary leadership of Susie Medak during this time of transition, who, as McCarter’s Interim Managing Director, will continue to lead the business operations of the organization over the next several weeks.
An independent not-for-profit performing arts center located between New York City and Philadelphia on the campus of Princeton University, McCarter is a multi-disciplinary creative and intellectual hub offering theater, music, dance, family programs, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages that inspires conversations, connections and collaborations in our communities. McCarter leads with the values of justice and joy, and seeks beauty in belonging. Celebrated for developing new work and winner of the 1994 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, world premieres include Christopher Durang's Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (Tony Award winner, Best Play), Tarell Alvin McCraney's The Brother/Sister Plays, Emily Mann's Having Our Say. McCarter’s presented series has featured hundreds of renowned artists including Alvin Ailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Audra McDonald, David Sedaris, The Moth, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Roseanne Cash, Lake Street Dive, Samara Joy, and many more. McCarter and Princeton University share a successful history of unique partnerships and creative collaborations.
