About this episode

Jennifer Bielstein discusses her role as managing director of the Alley Theatre and the complexities of running a regional theater.

Hook: What does it take to manage a full-scale creative manufacturing empire behind the curtain? This week on Wheels, Deals, and Meals, we sit down on the stage of the Alley Theatre with its powerhouse new managing director, Jennifer Bielstein. With eight months under her belt leading one of America’s most historic regional theaters, Jennifer’s homecoming is a full-circle moment for a Texas girl who first found her theatrical calling during her high school days in Houston.Jennifer shares a spectacular masterclass on the operational grit required to keep a major regional theater thriving. Whether she was searching for restaurant work on her bicycle in Chicago after a sudden layoff, managing the marketing machinery at Steppenwolf, throwing outdoor concerts at the Lincoln Park Zoo, or handling elite leadership roles in Louisville, Minneapolis, and San Francisco—Jennifer has seen it all. Tune in as she and Arnold break down the creative logistics of set building, the magic of a resident acting company, testing cell phone sections in a live audience, and the profound civic value of sharing stories in person.Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more Good Food, Good…

People in this episode

Host: Arnold

Guest: Jennifer Bielstein

Topics covered

• theater management
• creative logistics
• regional theater
• arts administration
• storytelling
• leadership in arts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Alley Theatre, Steppenwolf

Places: Texas, Houston, Chicago, Louisville, Minneapolis, San Francisco

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