Jen Matthews

Strategic arts leader with 30+ years of experience in production stage management, company management, contract negotiation, and production operations within new works and resident artist environments. Proven track record managing artist agreements, union and vendor contracts, and the full lifecycle of theatrical productions—from development through production and presentation. Adept at supporting season programming, educational initiatives, and rentals while driving budget accountability, operational efficiency, and collaborative team leadership.

Experienced in board-facing reporting and cultivating community partnerships, with a commitment to advancing inclusive, artist-centered, and community-driven theatrical experiences.

Co-Owner & Producing Partner - LIT Immersive Events and Entertainment - Seattle, WA

(2023-01)

• Curate and execute a full season of immersive productions, balancing artistic innovation with revenue goals
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with artists, vendors, and partners
• Oversee operations of an 18,000 sq. ft. performance venue, including casting, scheduling, staffing, and logistics
• Lead production initiatives for large-scale installations (up to 12,000 sq. ft.)
• Hire, supervise, and mentor teams of 12–50 staff, artists, and technicians
• Develop national partnerships and new experiential programming to expand audience reach

Managing Artistic Director, Black Box Theatre - Edmonds College - Lynnwood, WA

(2011-01 - 2023-12)

• Program and oversee a year-round schedule of performances, events, and rentals in a 200-seat venue
• Develop annual and quarterly programming strategies aligned with institutional and community goals
• Manage ~$80K annual budget, including forecasting, expense tracking, resource allocation, staffing and payroll
• Coordinate with external partners and community organizations to support rentals and collaborations
• Track attendance, program outcomes, and audience engagement to inform future planning

Associate Director / Company Manager - House of Spirits/Haunted Soiree - Seattle, WA

(2021-01 - 2023-12)

• Managed show direction, payroll, schedules and onboarding for casts/creative teams of up to 30 actors and 12 technical crew for seasonal haunted house production
• Served as primary liaison between producers, director, creative teams, and administrative departments for rehearsals and performances
• Hired and trained replacement cast on an ongoing basis

Production Manager / Technical Manager (Touring) - The Production Network - Seattle, WA

(2007-01 - 2012-12)

• Led national touring productions, managing logistics, staffing, and client relationships
• Developed standardized systems that improved efficiency across touring operations
• Represented client organizations in public-facing and fundraising environments

Production Manager - Masterworks Festival - Winona Lake, IN

(2003-01 - 2007-12)

• Produced high-volume, multi-disciplinary festival (8 shows/ 4 weeks)
• Managed budgets, vendor contracts, and production teams - including resource allocation and stage management
• Created and led production internship and workforce development programs

Production Manager - Taproot Theatre Company - Seattle, WA

(1997-01 - 2002-12)

• Managed production planning and budgets for a 5 show theatrical season
• Supervised staff and coordinated cross-department operations per show
• Stage Managed 3-4 shows annually

Production Stage Manager (AEA) - Independent Contractor - Seattle, WA

(1994-01 - 2012-12)

• 80+ productions across regional and touring venues overseeing rehearsals, technical and performance execution under union (LORT, SPT, SEA) and non-union agreements
• Served as liaison between directors, artists, and production teams
• Showtunes, Village Theatre, Book-It Rep. Theatre, Taproot Theatre

Associate Professor of Theater - Edmonds College - Lynnwood, WA

(2016-01 - 2023-12)

• Created core drama curriculum for diverse populations - leaning into collaborative learning and interpersonal skills
• Mentored student artists pursuing other opportunity in the performing arts

Adjunct Professor of Drama - Seattle Pacific University - Seattle, WA

(2010-01 - 2018-12)

• Developed curriculum for and taught acting, improvisation, and stage management for the School of Drama
• Developed the Business of Improvisation curriculum for the School of Business
• Mentored emerging artists

MFA - Drama - Stage & Production Management - University of California, Irvine (2005-01)

BA - Theatre - Lighting Design & Stage Management - Seattle Pacific University (1994-01)