Producing and Leadership
Leadership Philosophy
I believe great artistic work is built on strong relationships, thoughtful infrastructure, and a culture of curiosity. Whether directing a production, coordinating a residency, or producing a developmental workshop, I strive to create environments where artists feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and pursue ambitious ideas. I lead organizations and endeavors centered on community impact and engagement.
Overview
As an Artistic Leader and Producer, my work extends beyond directing and choreography into community engagement, fundraising event planning, donor cultivation, program administration, and artist development. I am passionate about leading an organization with integrity, an aligned mission, and accountability. Theaters should be the place where communities gather and experience collectively, which only happens when they feel welcomed into our spaces. Additionally, the best work comes from institutions that are driven by a clear mission and leadership. Whether directing a production or leading a company, I center creating the conditions that allow artists and new work to thrive through workshop facilitation, fellowship administration, artistic programming, or project development.
As both a theatre-maker and arts leader, I bring a collaborative, artist-centered approach to every project, balancing creative vision with organizational strategy and execution.
Artistic Leader & Producing Bio
Andrew Coopman is a producer and arts leader dedicated to building ecosystems where artists can thrive. Their work is driven by a belief that creative communities are strongest when they are rooted in care, collaboration, and meaningful investment in people.
Over the course of their career, Andrew has developed programs, produced artistic initiatives, and led projects designed to support artists at every stage of their creative journey. From fellowships and residencies to public performances, educational programs, and community events, they are passionate about creating structures that allow artists to take risks, develop ambitious work, and build lasting relationships with one another and their audiences.
As a producer, Andrew is particularly interested in the space where artistic vision and organizational strategy meet. They approach producing not simply as project management, but as an act of stewardship—bringing together resources, people, and opportunities in service of creative possibility. Their leadership style emphasizes transparency, curiosity, and care, informed by years of experience working alongside artists, educators, administrators, and community partners.
Most recently, Andrew served as Artistic Associate at The Drama League, helping lead initiatives that supported directors and theater makers from around the world through fellowships, residencies, artistic programming, and new work development. Across every role they have held, they have remained committed to strengthening the cultural sector by investing in artists, cultivating community, and creating spaces where creativity can flourish.
Whether producing a new work residency, mentoring emerging artists, or shaping the long-term vision of an organization, Andrew's work is guided by a simple question: What do artists and communities need in order to do their best work together?
Arts Administration Experience
As Artistic Associate at The Drama League, I support programs that serve directors, playwrights, and theatre artists across the country.
My work included:
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Directors Project Portfolio, which supported up to 30 directors per year in Fellowships, Residencies, Assistantships, and International Exchanges.
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Envisioned and Event Planned the annual Tony's Watch Party, a community fundraiser for The Directors Project.
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Managed volunteers for The Drama League bi-annual major fundraiser and donor events.
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Wrote and designed the weekly Artistic Departments communications and special invitations for events.
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Coordinated the Drama League Residency Program for 4 Directors-in-Residence every year, creating new theatrical work.
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Mentored artists and the Artistic Department Intern, which included career guidance, project support, and professional development.
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Line produced up to 4 Public Readings at The Drama League Center per year, including feedback models for the directors and artists involved.
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Created the Director Gatherings, three events per year to foster professional networking for directors.
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Cross-departmental Project Management, including managing the highly confidential Drama League Award nominations process, schedule management of artistic staff, and managing rental space at The Drama League Theater Center.
Producing Experience
As an Independent Director - Producer, I have produced and supported the development of new plays, musicals, and devised work through workshops, readings, and collaborative development processes. My producing interests include emerging playwrights and musical theatre writers, interdisciplinary and movement-based performance, artist-driven development processes, and community-centered storytelling. My expertise in producing is connecting stakeholders with artists, donor cultivation, creating and maintaining a production budget, and organizing communication and timeline.
Producing experience includes the regional premiers of Let's Write a Musical at Theatre Off Jackson, Alan Turing & The Queen of the Night at The Players Theater, MIKEY! at The Tank - NYC, Treeson: A Benefit Concert at 54Below, HUMAN: A Reading at Drama League, and the 2022 FutureNow Festival of One Acts at Hangar Theater.
As co-facilitator and co-producer of The Scratch - Seattle, I helped create a space for playwrights and theatre-makers to test ideas, share work in progress, and build artistic community. The program emphasized Low-stakes experimentation, Constructive artistic feedback, Collaborative development, Support for emerging young voices. w